Another box full of delights to discover, from the team at Laithwaites. As usual, there are a swathe of wines that I wouldn’t normally encounter. We are creatures of habit, and I confess that I like to be steered in the direction of ‘new’ wines…but am unsure if I’d find my way there under my own steam! For example, I’m known to enjoy Grenache from Australia, and have written about the specifics of Chenin Blanc on my website in recent months – but how many examples would I naturally find myself drinking? Possibly not as many as I should.
Laithwaites have a great selection from far-flung corners of the wine-producing world. All you have to do is browse the website and pick a few. Or go for a selection box where the decisions are made for you. That’s not unlike what happens to me, and I’m always happy with what arrives. The latest box will be split into two halves – here are the first seven wines; and there will be eight more to consider next week. Christmas is on the horizon and it is about time to stock up. Happy hunting!
Citrus & Vine Chenin Blanc 2025
Chenin Blanc is arguably South Africa’s definitive varietal – this example comes from the Western Cape region. Perfumed with red apple, lemon peel, grapefruit, guava, jasmine and honeycomb. Quite rich in style, with plenty of juicy ripeness to the fruit, carried on a zesty acidity. The soft and creamy texture adds breadth before a finish that is clean, pure and with just a little spice. A simple to understand and easy to like white wine – try it as a change to Pinot Gris or Chardonnay. 89pts
Hot Seat Sauvignon Blanc 2024
This varietal has a place in New Zealand customer’s hearts, but it is good to try what other places are doing with this classic grape. When one wins awards, such as a Double Gold medal from CWSA, then it is definitely worth a look. Brimming with fresh fruits – blackcurrant, guava, passionfruit and citrus and greener notes of capsicum and pea pod. High acidity and bags of bright, easy to understand, refreshing flavours. 88pts
Thistledown ‘Gorgeous Grenache’ Rosé 2025
Colour in rosé wines is really important to the customer. And this pale coral pink example is right on the money in terms of what leaps off the shelf for rosé buyers. Good fleshy weight to the both the bouquet and the palate. Both show red berry notes and there is a nibble of both sweetness and tannin – balancing each other and underlining the ripe fruit. The finish has a juicy, refreshing edge, but is drier and shows persistence. 89pts
Way & Cat Grenache 2024
Grenache can be made in a range of styles from lighter chill-able reds for summer; to big, full-flavoured expressions taking inspiration from the Southern Rhône. This wine from South Australia is one of the latter. A deep garnet red, with a touch of pink, colour, with vivid aromas of raspberry, black cherry, bramble, cinnamon and white pepper. Medium-bodied to taste, with smooth tannins, and integrated acidity through the palate. 90pts
Château Maine d’Arman 2019
A red blend from the Côtes de Bourg on the Bordeaux right bank, where many smaller, family-owned wineries make excellent quality (and value) wines. The majority is Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc filling it out. Red fruits dominate the bouquet, with an earthy minerality also present. Robust, with firm tannin and savoury, smoky notes of incense, peat and tapenade alongside those fleshy fruits. The back of the palate shows more richness, with a dense velvet texture. 90pts
Dog Ridge Original Plantings Shiraz 2021
A Shiraz made from vines planted in the 1940s in McLaren Vale, South Australia. A dense, dark red colour in the glass, with bold aromas of Boysenberry, damson, cherry and black pepper that speak of the place that this wine was grown. The signature milk chocolate note of the sub-region is also here, nestling into the ripe juice. Bold tannins and a slice of toasty oak add weight and depth, whilst bright acidity gives good flow through the palate. 89pts
Blackstrap Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
A wine hailing from the South Australia sub-region of McLaren Vale with hallmark Cabernet style. Dark fruits of blackcurrant, bramble, plum and cherry mingle with a pencil-shaving graphite, bay leaf and olive notes. Well-structured, with spicy oak and fine, chalky tannin. Full-bodied and intense, revelling in its inky, dark depths – this is one for a thick steak off the BBQ, or to sit and contemplate on the last of these winter evenings. The finish is dry, peppery and long. 91pts
