Winter 2020

Out&About food & drink

NAKED GRAPE, Hungerford

Naked Sloe Gin £123.99 Created for Naked Grape by Foxdenton Distillery, this Sloe Gin is enjoyable. Some Sloe Gins can be hot on the alcohol side, others more syrupy. This expression is just spot on, balanced power and heat with a silky richness. A big customer favourite. Cantine Colosi Grillo, Sicily, Italy £16.49 On the nose there are strong notes of golden apple and hints of tropical fruits. The palate is crisp and clean with a refreshing acidity and flavours of apple, ripe pear and peach with undertones of mango. The tropical and stone fruit flavours linger on the palate leaving a lovely fruity sensation in the mouth.

Black Chalk Brut, Hampshire £29.99 Its been a year of celebration and pride at Black Chalk as they have received three, yes three, Trophy Awards for their 2016 Classic. “Best Sparkling wine in the Land” is a statement that rings true here, this wine really is a triumph and is our top choice for any occasion this festive season.

Domaine Prince Cotes du Rhone Villages Old Vine, Rhone Valley, France £16.99 One of Naked Grape’s top picks this season. A perfectly balanced palate benefitting from a rich oak ageing and dense polished feel. The finish is fruity and quite full with flavours of red plum, damson and cedar oak.

MAJESTIC, Newbury

Esprit de Pennautier 2014, Cabardés £24.99 per btl A powerful nose of black fruits, in- fused with a hint of truffle, pepper and coriander. Full bodied and rich, with firm yet approachable tan- nins and mellow, toasty wood influence.

Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2015, La Casetta £16.99 per btl This wine is made exclusively from grapes coming from the La Casetta di Ettore Righetti Estate. Full-bodied and velvet smooth, hints of cherries and spices come through on the palate creating a mass of rich and intense flavours. The perfect companion for all types of meat or seasoned cheeses.

Two Hands ‘Bella’s Garden’ Shiraz 2015, Barossa Valley £140 per btl

Expensive nose of pencil lead, crushed blueberry and black cherry, it has an opaque purple colour, glorious thick texture and fantastic balance for such a big wine. Drink it with a rare steak over the next 8-10 years

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O&A WINTER 2020