Old world, New world, Spring into our world

Hello,
As March arrives the snowdrops and daffodils are blooming, the evenings are getting lighter, the
skies (occasionally) are blue, and there is a little hint of temperatures rising (well the rain is a little
warmer at least). Spring is arriving.
There is a lot of debate in the wine world about old world versus new world wines and the positives
and negatives of each. Not just in the wine world but in the shop also as our own views and personal
tastes come to the fore (Pete - for those with an interest I am of the not overly bothered where it is
from it is flavour and personality (occasionally the label) camp).
These discussions have been more intense recently as we start to see and taste some wines that are
really challenging our thinking. Some amazing Chardonnay and Merlot from America, a stunning
cloudy Chardonnay from a young Australian maker (that even committed Chardonnay hater Pete
enjoyed).
In the last few weeks we have met with a number of suppliers to look at what is on their ‘new in’
lists. This is always exciting, sometimes nervous, always challenging. More from the if we order
something new what do we lose from the listing to make room for it.
This last round of tasting has had some stunning wines from both old and new world. We have
introduced 62 new wines since the start of February. Here are our top six that will be hopefully
hitting your shopping bags very soon.
‘Louis Guntrum’ Dry Riesling, Neirstein, Germany.
This dry Riesling has wonderfully delicate notes of white peaches, apricot and juicy pears. Its classic
Riesling from a classic producer! Forget those memories from the 70s/80s we just ADORE Riesling.
‘Ramon Bilbao’ Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain.
Tropical notes of pineapple, passionfruit, golden apple, and stone fruits mix with white floral
aromas. A Stunning wine! Perfect paired with seafood (or a sunny Spring afternoon in the garden).
‘Cannonball’ Chardonnay, Healdsburg, California.
Zippy Californian Chardonnay, a mouthful of pineapple and ripe peach with a dollop of lemon curd.
This will leave you comfortable and wanting more!
Warwick Estate ‘The First Lady’ Pinotage, Western Cape, South Africa.
First released in 2020, this stunning well balanced red wine is Tribute to Norma Ratcliffe, the first
female to make wine in South Africa. Big, juicy, top class Pinotage.
‘Stag’s Leap ‘Hands of Time’ Red Blend, Napa Valley, California.
A big red blend (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon) from a highly regarded Napa Valley estate. A nose
fragrant with wild berries and cherry blossom, while the mouth bursts with red cherries topped by a
whiff of sage, clove and cocoa powder.
Varvaglione ‘Papale’ Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia, Italy.
Rich, rounded, full of vigour and maturity, this highly flavoured and scented red is full-on, with heaps
of dark forest fruits, cracked black pepper and a dollop of blackberry jam.

We are nearly a quarter of the way into this year now, there's hope on the horizon that things will
start to get back to normal soon. Say hello to the spring try some new wines and look forward to the
arrival of the sun. Taste, Share, Educate, Enjoy.
See you soon.
Tim, Mark, Pete, Ant, Huw, Blu