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Nathan Lane
Wine Correspondent
1:00 AM 25th January 2025
lifestyle

A Duo Of Cracking Wines

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Like most attempts at dry January, the road to the wine merchant is paved with good intentions. While the month has been damp rather than dry, it has unearthed a couple of great wines at very different price points.

The first is a well-structured and entirely delicious Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from Latitude, a fantastic independent wine merchant in Leeds. The second wine is from Majestic, which has some excellent offers running this month, and is well worth visiting.

Château Grand-Pey-Lescours Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2016.
Château Grand-Pey-Lescours Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a stellar choice for Bordeaux lovers. It showcases the elegance and depth of the region's wines. The merlot-dominant blend, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, delivers a complex depth of flavour that’s very moreish.

On the nose, it greets you with a bouquet of ripe blackberries and cherries, enhanced by subtle notes of vanilla and a touch of earthy spice.

The wine offers luscious dark fruit flavours, including blackcurrant and juicy plum, interwoven with hints of tobacco and cocoa. Its structure is well-defined, with velvety tannins and a seamless medium-to-full body. The oak influence is present but never overbearing, providing a polished finish with lingering notes of spice and minerality.

This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a versatile wine, pairing beautifully with roasted meats, lamb, or hard cheeses. Whether enjoyed now or aged to further develop its complexity, Château Grand-Pey-Lescours is a testament to the craftsmanship of its region, offering fans a refined and memorable experience.

Available from Latitude wines in Leeds from £32.99


Intacto Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022.

Intacto Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant and approachable wine that captures the essence of its grape with some finesse.

On the nose, it offers a delightful bouquet of ripe blackberries and a hint of black pepper, creating an inviting aroma that draws you in.

On the palate, this wine reveals its light and well-balanced character. The texture is smooth, with soft tannins that glide effortlessly, making it a pleasure to drink. Unlike some Cabernets that can lean heavily on oak, this wine strikes a refreshing balance, letting the natural fruit flavours shine through.
The mid-palate is rounded and satisfying, showcasing layers of dark fruit complemented by subtle earthy undertones. As the wine lingers, it transitions to a slightly dry finish with intriguing notes of leather and a whisper of dark chocolate. These elements add depth without overwhelming the palate, leaving a refined and lasting impression.

This Gran Reserva is an excellent choice for those seeking a Cabernet Sauvignon with restraint and charm. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, aged cheeses, or a simple mushroom risotto.

Available at Majestic from £9.99.


Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane
Our wine enthusiast Nathan lives in Leeds and runs the PR and marketing company Campfire PR.
https://campfirepr.com/