Given that we're constantly asked what our favourite wines are, we're creating our Ultimate Wine List - which is basically a list of the best wines from every region across the world. We're keeping the list to one wine from each producer and sometimes it may not even be the producer's top wine that makes the list but we'll explain our reasons for each wine as we go along. Please note, it's not only wines that we stock (although a lot we do) - it's an ever evolving list of wines that deserve their place. And tasting brilliant wines is not a bad hobby.
We post all the wines on Instagram (@elementarywine) if you wish to follow but please do check back here as we add the latest wines each month. Here's what we've been enjoying through August.
No. 46 - Mullineux Schist Syrah (Swartland, South Africa) - this was one of the biggest surprises I've had yet with our Ultimate Wine List. Mullineux are one of SA's most prestigious producers and, whilst I've always liked their wines, I haven't "loved" them. Turns out, I've been drinking the Schist Syrah far too early. The 2016 we drunk this month was off the charts great. Still youthful and vibrant with lovely aromatics, but it seemed as though the components had all settled down in order to bring the best out of each other - dark brambly fruit with cassis and cherry highlights, pepper, spice, minerals, a touch of meatiness, black olive and more. The finish was still lingering after 2 minutes. Sensational and I'm glad I've finally got it.....
No. 45 - AA Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein White Blend (Swartland, South Africa) - as with any good wine list, there's got to be value wines that over deliver and this is a classic example. A blend of 10 different varieties - mainly old bush vine Chenin - it's co-fermented and then aged for 20 months in a mix of oak. And it's great - rich but balanced, with lots of nuance from each variety. At a touch over £30, it's a bargain and it's one of the reasons why Adi Badenhorst is so highly regarded. Buy here.
No. 44 - Sena (Aconcagua Valley, Chile) - this is a Chilean icon, an estate originally set up by Robert Mondavi and Edouardo Chadwick with the goal of creating a Chilean Bordeaux blend that could rival the First Growths. Now completely owned by the Chadwick family, the wine continues to impress and the 2016 we drank was excellent. Incredibly fine and velvety with bright cassis and bramble fruit, soft spice, tobacco leaf and cocoa, with nice aromatics, silky tannins and bright acidity. Great complexity, balance and length and just starting to enter a lovely drinking window, with the capacity to age for longer. World class.
No. 43 - Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio (Friuli-Venezie Giulia, Italy) - a wine that you'd never guess as Pinot Grigio but a real stunner. It has a coppery hue from a short skin maceration before fermentation but what a spectacular array of aromas and flavours. There are notes of peach, pear, apricot, orange peel, yoghurt, pastry and toasted nuts, and whilst there's an underlying richness, it is balanced with bright acidity and subtle toasty oak. If you must drink PG, then make it this one! Buy here.
No. 42 - Pierre-Jean Villa Condrieu Jardin Suspendu (Rhone, France) - we love Viognier and this is a cracker from one of the region's most talented winemakers. Very fine and minerally alongside the classic peach, apricot, honey and cream notes, beautifully balanced and with real elegance and purity.
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