Dads' Dynamite Dozen (Case, 12 bottles)
We have hand-picked some of our favourite reds for your father to serve alongside, a BBQ, to sip over a good book, to slurp during a thriller of a movie, to savour alongside that classic album on repeat, or the ultimate house red & just because he fancies a glass. A case of surefire hits.
Contains 6 reds - 2 bottles of each
2 x HACIENDA GRIMON, CRIANZA, RIOJA, SPAIN
The Crianza (85% Tempranillo with Graciano) is a rigorous selection of grapes from 3 different vineyard parcels. The wine is aged for 16 months in French & American oak. Aromas of black fruits with black pepper and sweet spices. Palate is quite full bodied for a Crianza due to the quality of fruit used and longer than average ageing in oak. The ripe tannins and fresh acidity balance the richness of the fruit which results in an elegant and classy Rioja, a serious Crianza and cut above most others you will try.
2 x CHATEAU MAYNE-VIEIL, FRONSAC, BORDEAUX, FRANCE
This Bordeaux represents great value for money, displaying very similar attributes to neighbouring Pomerol, in fact were these vines in Pomerol, this wine would easily fetch twice the shelf-price with no difference in quality whatsoever. 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc, it displays a full-on nose with animal, plum flavours and hints of tobacco. The palate is richly fruited with vanilla, plum, cassis and cedar wood. Slightly firm but lush tannins contribute to a lengthy finish.
2 x Innocenti, Chianti dei Colli Senesi
Made from Sangiovese and Canaiolo Toscano grapes with a medium period of maceration, the Chianti dei Colli Senesi has a rustic, uncompromising Sangiovese character. Lovely meaty style of wine with flavours of spicy ripe cherries, roasted herbs, leather and liquorice. Try this with ribollita, a bread-thickened bean and black cabbage soup or pot roast pigeon cooked with sage and spiced luganega sausage with stir-fried fennel or braised celery.
2 x DOMAINE LACOUR, Passe Tout Grains BURGUNDY, FRANCE
Bourgogne Passetoutgrains is a blend of Gamay (70%) with Pinot Noir – Medium-bodied, fruit-driven, clear and lively with delicious notes of black cherry, raspberry and strawberry it is an easy-drinking, joyful Burgundy. 'Light, joyous juicy raspberry and strawberry fruits. The ultimate glou-glou wine. Drink by itself or with charcuteries and cheese.' - John Wilson, Irish Times April 2021
2 x DOMAINE CHAUME-ARNAUD, COTE-DU-RHONE, SOUTHERN RHONE, FRANCE
The Côtes du Rhône rouge is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% each of Syrah and Cinsault. Although it always punches way above its weight, the 2018 is a bomb of sheer deliciousness and drinkability. It is expressive, open-knit, juicy with an attractive touch of yeast, then ripe, soft hedgerow fruits, spice, stones, gravel. The palate dry, mid-weight, very juicy with black fruits and tapenade and gravelly minerality
2 x VINA ALBEGARDA, ALBIZU CAMINANTE, TEMPRANILLO, RIOJA, SPAIN
‘I have a weakness for unoaked (or very lightly oaked) Rioja. I love the lively aroma, the pure cherry fruits and the refreshing acidity. Here they come together in an easy-drinking but sophisticated wine, great for sipping alone or for drinking with a variety or red and white meats. This example, made by a Rioja producer, from grapes grown within the region, doesn’t actually have the name Rioja on the label, but it certainly tastes like it. Worth buying in quantity for the season ahead.’ John Wilson, Top Ten Wines under €20