Halves Case

Wine has been made in Jurançon, just outside the city of Pau in Béarn, next to the old Kingdom of Navarre, for many centuries and enjoyed great prestige when it was the favourite tipple of Henri IV. Then the wines were mostly on the sweet side and it was another Henri who led the creation of a dry-style Jurançon for more everyday drinking. This Jurançon Sec comes from Henri Ramonteu, who makes it better than anyone. This unoaked, grapefruit-like, full-bodied white with good grip is made from two local varieties, gros manseng and camaralet and is the perfect partner for trout.

Ever-consistent Bordeaux red, a plump, satisfying blend of mainly merlot, with 15% cabernet sauvignon for added structure and finesse. Lovely cassis perfume and pure, ripe fruit on the palate.

This mouthwatering Bordeaux blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon has a touch of muscadelle for added character and depth of flavour. A refreshing and consistent performer year after year, made by the Despagne family.

Smooth, supple and super-reliable red - one of Portugal's favourites - from the experienced team at Esporão in the sun-soaked Alentejo region.

Produced for us from nero d'Avola grapes grown in the Ragusa and Agrigento regions of Sicily. Here the Mediterranean climate, tempered by a cooling coastal breeze, produces full-bodied red wines. Partly aged in French-oak barrels, this juicy raspberry and cherry-scented wine has a rounded mocha finish.

A smooth, rich and oaky Rioja, made in the traditional style from 100% tempranillo aged in American and French oak for over two years (meaning it could qualify as a reserva). The fruit comes from vineyards in Rioja's Alavesa region which is renowned for the quality of tempranillo.

The 2023 is fresher and more classic than the 2022, showcasing typical minerality, refreshing aromatics and pronounced purity from the Vinet family's best old-vine plot, 'Les Ratelles'.

The Douro Valley produces many surprisingly and pleasingly crisp and refreshing whites, from vineyards planted at higher altitudes. This is an excellent value example which is dry and refreshing, with honeysuckle and peach on the nose and a juicy, refreshing palate. Also available in half bottles.

Half bottle The Societys Exhibition Mendoza Malbec 2023

From one of the great Alsace estates, this is a richly textured pinot gris with red apple and stone fruits and a touch of spice on the rich palate. Pairs perfectly with curries and creamy sauces.

A fine, dry white wine of great delicacy from the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy, the warmest part of the region. The wine is ripe and round, with flavours of toasted hazelnut, apple and stone fruit, a hint of citrus and a lovely streak of minerality. The quality of the wine reflects the deep involvement in its selection by successive buyers and the skill of our ‘man on the ground`, Jean-Marc Darbon, who excels in sourcing the right blending options for us to work with. The zander (sandre in French) thrives in the rivers of Burgundy and is shown on this wine`s new label. It has a fine flavour because its carnivorous and so is much superior to that of weed-eating fish. It`s as good as wild brown trout to eat and appears frequently on menus in Burgundian restaurants. Don`t hesitate to try it.

From famed Northern Rhône producer Guigal, this is a full-bodied and rich southern Rhône red that displays plenty of brambles and herbs combined with liquorice and graphite aromas. Dominated by syrah, there are lots of red-berry fruits and black-pepper spice.