2021 Cuvee Secrete Viognier (£13.75)

Made by Domaine Paul Mas and a first no sulphur added wine, 15% fermented in new ok. Gently floral with a touch of nuts and subtle vanilla on the rich palate, flavours of peach and pear. Excellent value.

2022 Pazo de Mirasoles Albarino (their Monastrell was very popular)

A curiosity, made not in Northern Spain but near Madrid! Opinions split on this wine, certainly not easily recognisable as Albarino but a pleasant summer quaffer. Seems no longer available.

2020 Cuvee Secrete Syrah (£13.50)

The second of the Paul Mas no sulphur wines, a big inky-red wine, black fruit on the nose and palate, violets and spice notes but very clean and fresh after 3 months in American oak. Impressive and very good value.

2019 Alias Cabernet Franc (£12.99)

Made by Frederic Brochet, a very dark purple colour, made with no added sulphur. Very fresh and precise, medium bodied with that lovely hint of green pepper that so characterises the grape. Tannins are already soft and supple and the fruit comes shining through. This wine was a revelation and amazing value –clear favourite on the night.

Cellar wines

Whites

2003 La Tour Blanche Sauternes

Lovely mature traditional Sauterne from famous second growth Chateau and Wine Institute – look out for the tartrate crystals which all good Sauternes should have!

2006 Georg Breuer Terra Montosa Riesling

Medium-dry Riesling from the Rheingau, Germany’s top region, classed as a “Premier Cru” by the winery.

2014 Villamaria Chardonnay/Viognier

A less common blend from the major New Zealand producer.

2011 Collemassari Spa Melace Vermentino

A light and herbaceous Tuscan white from 2014’s Winery of the Year – a good summer wine!

2015 Stephane Montez Marsanne/Roussanne

Skillfully crafted old-vine Marsanne with some Rousanne. Expect rich and waxy nose with aromas of garrigue and warm earth, there is underlying structure one would expect of a wine with this class.

2015 Vinedos Emiliana Adobe Viognier

Inexpensive but delicious Chilean take on this “marmite” grape. Subtle rather than flowery.

2017 Bodegas Navajas Viura Rioja

Classic example of modern white Rioja, not much oak here and light on the palate. Forget the old buttery oaked yellow monsters if they are not to your taste!

Rose

2013 Vignerons St. Ropez Cep D’Or

AOC Cotes D’Or classic Provencal Rose, a nice holiday tipple, blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Vermentino and Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Albury Silent Pool Rose

English pink blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Crisp early season strawberries and cherries, from the 2014 UKVA Gold winning winery.

Orange

2019 Sharpham Wild Ferment Pinot Gris

From the banks of the River Dart, Pinot Gris thrives in a warm microclimate, wild fermentation and 48 hours skin contact adds genuine expression. An exciting white which highlights the potential for England to develop its own distinctive styles of classic varietals. Unfiltered so mind the bits!!

Reds

2004 Domaine Pichard Tannat

At BWC Garden Party 2021, a favourite. A fully mature Madiran made from 70% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in new oak barrels. After all these years oak no longer dominates, instead there is intense dark berry fruit and spice and a lovely rich texture.

2004 Torremilanos Cyclo Tempranillo

This meticulously produced very classy Ribero del Duero wine from 85- to 100+-year-old Tempranillo vines with a tiny amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the blend. Will have benefitted from 19 years sleeping in bottle after ageing in their own oak barrels!

2005 Ch. Musar Hochar

Considered by some and the second wine of Chareau Musar although the blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Grenache) and style are different. Has 9 months in oak barrels.

2009 Ch. Vieux Verdot St. Emilion

Typical St. Emilion blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). From one of the better-known minor wineries in the region.

2012 Casella Black Stump Shiraz/Durif

A big Aussie blend of Shiraz and the powerful Durif a.k.a. Petite Sirah grape. This, a much more up-market wine from the producers of the dreaded Yellow Tail!

2015 The Crossings Pinot Noir

From the Awatere Valley, Marlborough, a light and very likeable take of New Zealand Pinot Noir, very summery! Vegan and organic wine if you’re interested.

2020 Brook Hill Forest Red Dornfelder/Pinot Noir

From our very own New Forest vineyard, and a wine we tasted from Ian last year. Try has latest vintages today!

2018 Massaya Le Colombier Lebanon

From one of the modern Lebanese wineries and fresh and fruity, not in the Musar style at all. From Grenache, Cinsault and Tempranillo grapes grown in the Bekaa Valley.