Video One: Woodstock Grenache Rosé 2009

A product of Scott Collett and Ben Glaetzer, Woodstock’s Rosé will most likely be our best selling pink this summer. The key to making this wine tower above so many other Rosés on the market is the quality of fruit that’s used from the beginning. From thereon, all the winemakers have to do is avoid getting it wrong in the winery. Needless to say, they got it right. Very right.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Blanck Gewurztraminer 2007

Alsace is one of the leading regions in the world for quality white wine, so it might not be a surprise that is low-yielding Gewurztraminer is, well… pretty awesome to say the least.

Video Three: Elgin Vintners Merlot 2006

Elgin, as well as South Africa as a whole, is grabbing the attention of more and more Irish wine drinkers. Eleven months maturation in French oak barriques has added great depth and complexity to this rich Merlot.

Video Four: Tesoro de los Andes Torrontés Chardonnay 2008

The very best of Argentina is captured in this aromatic white blend, the fruit of which is sourced from Nieto Senetiner’s vineyards. The cool climate Torrontés combines wonderfully with the ever reliable Chardonnay.

Video Five: Farina Valpolicella Ripasso 2005

This Ripasso is made from grapes from the Montecorna vineyard, a hillside in the classic zone. It was one of Decanter magazine’s Top 50 wine buys of 2009. Think baby Amarone!

No, it’s not Marmite, it’s Riesling, and a medium dry/sweet one at that. Throw off your fears and inhibitions and crack the cap on this with a mild Thai curry - I guarantee it’ll open up a whole new world of flavour combinations you didn’t know existed. Video one this week is the magical James Hardwick Riesling 2008 from Muddy Water.

We’ve also posted a crisp, fruity Chardonnay and three light reds, for perfect summer supping.

Video two: Pascal Bouchard Cotes d’Auxerre Chardonnay 2008

The “generic-brand” Burgundy Chardonnay from top Chablis producer Pascal Bouchard. They can even put “Chardonnay” on the label!

Video three: Domaine Fort Michon Brouilly 2007

The perfect summer red, there’s so much more to Beaujolais than Fleurie. Nine other grand cru villages in fact, and Brouilly’s the largest.

Video four: V Pinot Noir 2007

From the land of Count Dracula, check out this Transylvanian Pinot Noir. (Yes, Transylvania!) Not a typical Pinot Noir, but then we pride ourselves on being anything but typical.

Video five: Domaine du Chateau d’Eau Pinot Noir 2008

A real favourite in the warehouse for the lunar organic approach to growing, coupled with the resulting fine structure and bursting, juicy red fruit.

Video One: Culraithin Shiraz 2000

The Kerr family, who are behind the Culraithin label, can trace their routes back to 9th century Ireland. Culraithin is a derivative of the Gaelic Cuil Rai(th)in, which was later anglicised to Coleraine, where the family’s more recent ancestors lived and farmed in the 1800’s. There’s 20% off South Africa for the month of May, which means this beauty from Paarl is now coming in well under the €20 mark. A real steal for a ten-year-old wine of this quality.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Domaine de Vedilhan Sauvignon Blanc 2008

This Sauvignon Blanc shows exactly what the Languedoc region is capable of. We would compare it to a good Pouilly Fumé without the price tag.  Flinty minerality and crisp, clean fruit. This month, buy 5 get one free.

Video Three: Long Neck Merlot 2008

Another super, everyday drinking wine from Long Neck. Many are attracted by the pretty label, but the best sign of a good value product is repeat purchase. With 20% off South Africa, this is wine to buy by the case.

Video Four: Tabalí Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Jay Miller, RP’s Wine Advocate, had this to say; “…a mouth-watering, vibrant, lengthy Sauvignon that way over-delivers for its humble price.” The quality from this northerly region of Chile continues to astound.

Video Five: Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

In terms of critics points, this is among our top wines. A Cabernet born and bred in Shiraz country, this spectacular wine has gained outstanding complexity after being matured in new (20%) and seasoned (80%) French oak for two years before release.

Video One: Tallarook Chardonnay 2006

Mike decided to play basketball with the Tallarook before shooting this video. A handsome hole in the bottom of the bottle shows the damage, but we managed to salvage around a third of its contents. This is the kind of Chardonnay that made Australia famous before the cheap, commercial stuff landed on our shores in the early 90’s. An ‘06 drinking seriously well, even over the next year or two. A must watch and a must try.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Outrider Merlot Cabernet Shiraz 2008

Our only red tasted this week is an Aussie blend which isn’t trying to be just another jammy fruit bomb taking up space on the supermarket shelves. It very much has a style and personality of its own.

Video Three: Domaine du Chateau d’Eau Chardonnay 2007

A Chardonnay that’s unashamedly Chardonnay… if that makes sense. This range of wines goes to show that organic doesn’t need to mean a few quid extra for the sake of it. Buy 5 get one free.

Video Four: Long Neck Chenin Blanc 2008

A lively South African white that’s starting to show that it’s got more in its locker than just refreshing green apple aromas. A pretty label and a fantastic summer sipper from the Western Cape. 20% off during May.

Video Five: Pascal Bouchard Chablis 2007

Bouchard’s Chablis is as much bought by the single bottle as it is by the case. It’s got everything you could want in a white Burgundy at this price and there is easily another couple of years drinking in this vintage.

Video One: Farnese Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2007

Somehow the forgotten white of the Farnese range. I like to describe it as the poor man’s Chablis, realising it’s not French of course, but there are definite comparisons with an almost nutty, savoury character intermingling with those subtle fruit flavours. Trebbiano, known as Ugni-Blanc in France, accounts for around a third of all white grape plantings in Italy. Farnese picked up the IWSC Italian Winery of the Year three years running between ‘05 & ‘07.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Ortonese Sangiovese Merlot 2008

Ortonese is Farnese’s entry-level label, the Sangiovese Merlot being the red sibling of the equally impressive white Malvasia. Be warned, Mike gets very excited about this wine. He really should have been born Italian.

Video Three: Domaine les Grands Presbyteres Muscadet 2008

I find Muscadet quite distinctive. Just as I was getting into wine I was thinking to myself I won’t forget this in a hurry. That lovely rounded mouthfeel is complimented by incredibly refreshing citrus flavours.

Video Four: Vega Lizarde Tinta de Toro 2007

Yours truly tastes our other popular Toro (Quinta el Refugio being the comparison), this time without any contact with oak, perhaps providing a fresher, easier drinking option. Watch out Rioja!

Video Five: The Ned Pinot Grigio 2008

You didn’t just think Marlborough made good Sauvignon Blanc, did you? For some of you this may be a style of PG that you’re not familiar with. You might describe it as a bit ‘chubby’ (in a good way). Again, food brings out the true colours in this wine.

Video One: Château Bauduc Bordeaux Blanc 2009

Back in May of last year, most of Gavin Quinney’s Sauvignon crop was wiped out by two freak hailstorms. At one stage we were very worried that there would be no ‘09 vintage. In fact, there will be no ‘09 vintage of the red partner, Clos des Quinze. In an attempt to salvage the white, most grapes have come from a neighbouring vineyard which Gavin managed to lease. So how does it stand up? Check out the video.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Farnese Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2008

From Italian Winery of the Year (IWSC) for three years running between ‘05 and ‘07, this Montepulciano does its talking in the glass. A previous vintage was described by Robert Parker as “wine to buy by the carload”.

Video Three: Ortonese Malvasia 2008

Ortonese is a wine of Farnese. Also sourced from the Abruzzo region, Malvasia is one of Italy’s most popular white wines. The ‘08 is quite a ‘full’ wine, with vibrant tangy fruits and a lick of spice on the finish.

Video Four: Tabalí Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2008

One of our most recent additions to the Curious range, this Pinot offers a very different style to that of Burgundy, but is nonetheless very refined whilst not holding back on the fruit (IWC Bronze Medal)

Video Five: Tabalí Reserva Chardonnay 2008

Our second new entrant from Tabalí is showing that Limarí Valley really has got what it takes to make outstanding Chardonnay. The secret is a beautiful balance of oak ageing and exceptional terroir (IWSC Bronze Medal)

Video One: Langmeil 1843 Freedom Shiraz 2005

Langmeil are sitting on a bit of Australian wine heritage - a three and a half acre vineyard that was planted in 1843 called “The Freedom”, which is quite possibly the world’s oldest surviving vineyard. The result is a wine of remarkable concentration, complexity and longevity. Very limited availability. (95 points, J. Halliday)

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Elgin Vintners Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Elgin Valley, the home of Elgin Vintners, lies just 70 km from Cape Town and now has a worldwide reputation for producing some of South Africa’s finest wines. Decanter World Wine Awards ‘09 Bronze Medal.

Video Three: Poggiobello Pinot Grigio 2008

From the eastern hills of Friuli (Colli orientali del Friuli DOC) where Pinot Grigio really feels at home. This is the white sibling of our #twebt wine and a sure-fire special treat for those regular PG drinkers.

Video Four: Moillard Bourgogne Rouge 2007

A quality Burgundy Pinot Noir without the big price tag. The cooler climate makes for a light, elegant and drier styled red which is a quality match for good food. Well done Moillard, you’ve done it again!

Video Five: Muddy Water Sauvignon Blanc 2009

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with a twist. Six months on its lees in very clean, old oak, has imparted a beautiful, savoury roundness. Made for food, this will age and evolve better than most NZ Sauvignon.

Video One: Château Sérilhan Saint Estèphe 2004

Saint-Estèphe, which lies on the left bank of the Garonne River, is one of four major wine growing appellations of the Médoc. Château Sérilhan is a family owned estate and this 2004 blend of the three Bordeaux classics is a brilliant reminder of how good these wines can be. Concours des Grands Vins de France de Mâcon ‘06. (20% off Bordeaux for the month of April)

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Fonty’s Pool Sauvignon - Semillon 2007

From one of James Halliday’s most highly rated wineries, this single vineyard white blend is a true wine drinkers wine. Low yields and Pemberton’s cool climate has helped produce outstanding complexity.

Video Three: Murray’s Road Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Another exquisite Sauvignon Blanc to join our Marlborough range. Lashings of passionfruit is just the start of this sweet tropical heaven. Usually €12.99, available in the month of April from €10.33 per bottle.

Video Four: Mirabello Pinot Grigio 2008

Italy does inexpensive whites incredibly well, especially when it comes to their speciality, Pinot Grigio. Sourced from Lombardia in the north, these grapes are grown on hillside vineyards around the town of Pavia.

Video Five: Dexter Chardonnay 2006

One of the pioneers of the Mornington Peninsula, Tod Dexter is renowned for some of Australia’s finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. There is only a few bottles left of this 2006 vintage, of which less than a thousand were produced.

Video One: Chateau d’Argadens Bordeaux Superieur 2005

Maison Sichel acquired Chateau d’Argadens in 2002, with the aim of making it the benchmark Bordeaux in this price range. That objective was achieved with the 2004 vintage, but the 2005 is better again. There’s considerable time and investment in this wine too, with twelve months in French oak.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Chateau d’Argadens Bordeaux Blanc 2007

A classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc, for aromatics and a bit of zest, and Semillon, for ageing potential and a lovely rounded, citrussy mouthfeel. Gold medal, Challenge International du Vin 2008.

Video Three: Simply Shiraz 2007

The philosophy behind these wines is simple. They are made with the least possible intervention by the winemaker, fermenting in the traditional way and with minimum filtration to maintain character and flavours.

Video Four: Bordeaux Classique Rouge 2007

A well made, well priced Bordeaux blend of the three traditional grape varieties. This is the more modern, accessible side to Bordeaux, still maintaining the core qualities and versatility when it comes to food.

Video Five: Farnese Pinot Grigio 2008

Moving to Italy, a well loved Pinot Grigio from one of the most highly rated and consistent wineries around. Personally, Pinot Grigio wouldn’t usually be my first choice, but this one is a real show-stopper!

Video One: Domaine de Pellehaut Ampelomeryx 2006

You may be familiar with the creature behind the name, but once you get past the brilliant label, there’s a very classy wine to be found within. This is a serious wine drinkers wine, and to make a statement, one that we believe would hold its own against many a Burgundy at twice the price.

For the following wines, click on the links provided for each to view videos.

Video Two: Simply Sauvignon Blanc 2008

This is the entry-level white of Eric Monnin, the man behind one of our most lauded wines, Dignité. A very quaffable, easy drinking white that’s crisp, dry and fruity.

Video Three: Waipara Springs Premo Dry Riesling 2008

The second truly dry Riesling from Waipara Springs. Made with structure, concentration and longevity in mind, it’s one of our best value offerings. Double-Gold, San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Video Four: Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2008

We have many excellent Sauvignon’s from New Zealand, but as an all-rounder, we believe this is our finest. Watch out Marlborough… Nelson is here. And with wines like this, it may just cramp your style.

Video Five: La Revolution Colombard 2008

Colombard is a grape often used in blending, but it can also make some delightful single variety whites. La Revolution is from Gascony, the home of Colombard, where it’s grown and made by those who know best.