Given that we're constantly asked what our favourite wines are, we've started putting together 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. And, please note, it's not only wines that we stock - it's an ever evolving list of wines that deserve their place.
We'll 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.
No.17 - Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, USA) - Gallica is Rosemary Cakebread's organic project with their ethos being to make elegant single vineyard wines that truly express a sense of place. As soon as we opened the bottle, you knew from the aromas that this was going to be a special wine. Plush and velvety with dark berry fruits, blueberry and some aromatic red fruits, along with tobacco, spice, minerals and a violet note. Silky tannins, juicy acidity, balanced, complex, harmonious, the 2016 we drank was in a sweet spot with plenty of potential to get even better. Stunning. Purchase here.
No. 16 - Bodegas Albamar Sesente e Nove Arrobas Albarino (Rias Baixas, Spain) - we holidayed in Galicia for the first time last year and so we've spent a bit more time looking at different wines from the region. And whilst there are lots of very pleasant Albarinos to enjoy, there are some that take the variety to the next level. This is one such wine, super charged, vibrant apricot, pear, apple, lemon curd & lime with aromatics and minerality. Delicious.
No. 15 - Rare Champagne Millesime (Champagne, France) - only made in exceptional vintages (just 14 times since 1976), this is a super premium Champagne that really delivers. Rich and deep yet fresh and crisp, it just got better and better with each glass. Top notch.
No. 14 - Pierre Gonon Saint Joseph Rouge (Rhone, France) - one of the finest wines we have drunk in the past couple of years, this is pure Syrah at its very finest. We get a small allocation each year and the temptation is to keep it all for our own cellar - but we like to try and be fair! So you might find a little available here.
No. 13 - Claude Riffault Sancerre Les Denisottes (Loire, France) - these have always been great wines but have gone to a new level since Stephane Riffault has been in charge. Certified organic and biodynamic, this is a precise, terroir driven wine, beautifully crafted qnd absolutely delicious.
No. 12 - Jardin de Hormigas Los Amantes Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) - exceptional new style Malbec where the focus is on the terroir and letting the purity of the fruit and minerality of the vineyard express themselves. It is a beauty, packed with red & black fruits, spice, floral notes, minerals, fine tannins and juicy acidity. And can develop in bottle for 30+ years. More details here.
No. 11 - Bell Hill Pinot Noir (Canterbury, New Zealand) - if you've come across Bell Hill's wines then you know how good they are - both this Pinot Noir and their Chardonnay. Quite simply, they are among the finest New World wines you will find anywhere and we grab them whenever we get offered any. Not cheap but worth every penny - and more!
No. 10 - Ossian Capitel (Castilla y Leon, Spain) - this is top notch Verdejo made from pre-phylloxera vines by one of Spain's best producers. It's quite rich but wonderfully balanced and with a delicious creaminess on the finish.
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