Cordorníu Ars Collecta 456

Wine:  Ars Collecta 456
Winemaker: Cordorníu
Tirage Date: May 2008 (Aged for 90 months)
Variety: Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonay (45%), Xarel·lo (10%)
Price: Around £150 in select restaurants only

Only the best years see's this limited production wine produced and to that point there are only 800 bottles in existence each year. Left to age for over 90 months, this really is a one of a kind Cava. The magic is drawn from 3 different vineyards spread throughout the whole of Spain, offering different climates, terroirs and unique local elements to each vine and grape that ends up in the bottle. But where does the name come from? 456, in this case is the number of times the vines are harvested to ensure unparalleled quality in each and every bottle. 

There's an incredibly sweet yeasty aroma on the nose, like a fresh brioche from the bakery. A bouquet of stone fruits oozes from the bottle; nectarines, apricots and peaches with a light and breezy floral finish.

As expected, the palate is simply divine. Exuberant with yeasty undertones, lovely floral notes and even a little redcurrant and gooseberry. Absolutely ripe with flavors, apple, pear, nectarine, apricot all combined with a marvelous minerality and freshness. The finish is long, robust and carries a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness. A spectacular Cava that is in incredibly limited production from the 12th oldest family company on the planet, dating back to the 1500's.

Laventura Rioja Tinto 2014

Wine:  Laventura Rioja Tinto
Winemaker: Laventura
Vintage: 2014
Variety: Tempranillo 85% | Garnacha 10% | Mazuelo 5%
Price: £25.99
Perfect Pairing:  Spicy Chorizo Dishes

On the nose there’s a robust perfume of violets and sour cherries, held together by dry damp earth and a slight marzipan. This is a very elegant wine based on the nose, which would support the fact it comes from vines that have aged for over 100 years. As it opens up the sour cherries soften into more rounded black and red cherry flavors and even a little wet gravel on the nose. 

Upon your first taste a rich and spicy pepper coats your tongue, this is a fiery Rioja and it takes no time in justifying its presence. on the front of the palate, delicate cherries and red currants fade into a bittersweet dark chocolate on either side of the tongue, that black pepper spice still lingering. This is the perfect wine to compliment spicy red meat dishes or anything that has chorizo as a component. It is robust, powerful and from the moment it hits your palate makes its presence will and truly known. 

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Spotlight: Jenkyn's Place Blanc de Noir 2010

Wine:  Blanc De Noir
Winemaker: Jenkyn's Place
Vintage: 2010
Variety: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Meunier, Disgorged Feb 2015
Price: £25.99
 

In my opinion this is arguably one of the best Blanc de Noir's in England from a delightful family winery in North Downs, Hampshire. The Father and Daughter duo have been creating some exceptional wines since 2004, with the Blanc de Noir gaining a solid reputation for itself. 

The nose gives an exuberant burst of fresh citrus and lemon peel with freshly sliced apples and a distinct sweet toasted macadamia nut. Oozing with a spectrum of notes, you find yourself getting lost in wonder and awe taking each one in as the wine opens up. 

On the palate there's a crisp and clean medium body that takes over the mouthfeel. A delightful combination of more of that fresh red and green apples, extremely well balanced citrus and a little pear. The delicate fizz enables you to truly enjoy the palate as a little hazelnut and macadamia come into play before a long, vibrant and refreshing honey crisp apple lengthens the finish. 

This is without question an outstanding wine and a true pioneer and emblem of why 'English Sparkling Wines' are gaining such a solid reputation globally. One to stock up on. 

Buy Now From Hawkins Bros