Director's - Half Dozen
This mixed case brings together six wines that I think really show just how exciting and varied the wine world can be. I’ve chosen a mixture of familiar regions and a few less obvious discoveries, with each bottle offering something distinctive. There are fascinating indigenous and emerging grape varieties, from Passerina in Abruzzo to Tempranillo Blanco in Rioja, alongside classics such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Some come from long-established appellations like Quincy and Corbières, while others reflect a more contemporary approach to regional identity and winemaking. Most importantly, though, they’re all delicious – and represent some of my favourites picks!
There’s plenty of variety in style, too. We move from the cooler conditions of the Loire and the higher-altitude vineyards of Central Greece to the Mediterranean warmth of southern France, central Italy and Rioja, finishing in maritime-influenced Stellenbosch. I love how clearly these different places come through in the glass, whether in freshness and acidity, ripe fruit, savoury complexity or structure. Sustainability also has a part to play, with organic production in Corbières and a strong environmental and ethical focus at Journey’s End.
For me, this case is really about enjoying the individuality of six very different wines. There are fresh, aromatic whites that are perfect for opening now, richer and more unexpected styles, and structured reds with the potential to develop further. Together, they offer plenty to explore, compare and, above all, enjoy.
Vintage may vary depending on availability
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Col del Mondo 'Sunnae', Passerina Colline Pescaresi, Tenuta del Priore 2025
Quantity included: 1
Col del Mondo 'Sunnae', Passerina Colline Pescaresi, Tenuta del Priore 2025
Quantity included: 1This has a wonderful silky texture with full flavours of white plums, and hints of honey and nuts on the finish. Complexity is achieved through low yields, the blend and lees ageing.
White Wine
Passerina
100% Passerina
Dry & full
Drink Now
Fish, Salmon & Trout
13%
75cl
Quincy, Domaine de Trotereau 2023
Quantity included:
Quincy, Domaine de Trotereau 2023
Quantity included:A lovely wine with a rich and full palate. Pierre Ragon makes it in a very traditional manner, but it's not a typical Loire Sauvignon; there is great roundness and depth of fruit, a lush style which makes it very more-ish.
France, Loire Valley, Sancerre & Upper Loire
White Wine
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Dry & crisp
Drink Now
14%
75cl
Rioja Vega Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja 2025
Quantity included: 1
Rioja Vega Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja 2025
Quantity included: 1This white variety is a mutation of Rioja's classic red Tempranillo grape and in good hands makes a characterful white with subtle spice and good body, like a mix of Chardonnay and Semillon with a tropical fruit note.
White Wine
Tempranillo Blanco
100% Tempranillo Blanco
Dry & full
Drink Now
Pork Casserole
14.5%
75cl
Vegetarian
Vegan
Domaine La Cendrillon 'Essentielle', Corbières 2021 (organic)
Quantity included: 1
Domaine La Cendrillon 'Essentielle', Corbières 2021 (organic)
Quantity included: 1Smooth and elegant with juicy black fruits and hints of liquorice, herby with hints of spice. From an estate which has been in the same family since the 18th century.
France, South of France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Corbières
Red Wine
Southern Rhône Blend
75% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache
Full-bodied
Drink Now
14.5%
75cl
Vegetarian
Vegan
Organic
Samartzis 'S', Single Origin Syrah, Central Greece 2024
Quantity included: 1
Samartzis 'S', Single Origin Syrah, Central Greece 2024
Quantity included: 1This has aromas of blackberries with hints of cinnamon and white pepper leading to a softly fruity palate with ripe wild strawberry flavours. Long, fresh finish.
Greece, SE Europe & Asia, Greece
Red Wine
100% Syrah
Medium-bodied
Drink or Keep
13.5%
75cl
Journey's End V4 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch 2020
Quantity included: 1
Journey's End V4 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch 2020
Quantity included: 1This could easily be mistaken for an Australian Cabernet, it is minty on the nose and palate with good ripe fruit and great balance. The finish has an attractive note of cedar.
South Africa, South Africa, Stellenbosch & Franschhoek, Stellenbosch
Red Wine
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-bodied
Drink or Keep
Barbecues
14%
75cl
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