Every year, we ask our store managers to choose their favourite bottle of wine from a delicious pool of contenders. This was their winner for 2022, & once you’ve tried it you’ll certainly see why. Grüner Veltliner isn’t a grape that’s often seen in California, so growing it there was something of a risk for the Zocker winery. But they stayed true to their name – which means ‘gambler’ in German – & the result is this innovative, aromatic white. It’s made with grapes from a single vineyard in Edna Valley, where cool ocean breezes give the fruit plenty of time to ripen & develop complex flavours. It’s full of lively lemon, lime & ripe melon notes, with hints of candied ginger & a characteristic kick of white pepper. Its refreshing, steely minerality makes it a great choice for rich & creamy goat’s cheese dishes. ...

The vermouth has an amber hue. A floral Alpine nose of angelica, camomile, elder flower, gentian & mint mix with flavours of sweet orange & ginger with Pink grapefruit peal dominating. The finish is of cardamom, liquorice & a lingering quinine note. ...

This wine comes from old vineyards in the Maule Valley, an amazing place located among the hills of the Maule Coastal Range. It is unirrigated & has very poor, eroded soils. The landscape is undulating & the vines are planted facing slopes. Flavours of dark chocolate, coffee & candied fruits, with a persistent finish. Recommended with grilled red meats, game birds, pulses, stews, seasoned dishes & beef pasties. Recommended with grilled red meats, game birds, pulses, stews, seasoned dishes & beef pasties. ...

Californias Central Coast is a Pacific-influenced region previously famed for white varieties, but increasingly known for reds such as this with great purity of fruit. Winemaker Philip Zorn sources his grapes from several partner growers throughout this region. The regions trademark ripeness & purity shine through, with ripe, sweet cherry, blackcurrant & plum fruit & subtle herb notes. Integrated oak smooths the ample tannins & adds vanilla & spice. Drink with tender meats such as oxtail, braised lamb shanks or pork loin. ...

Tuscanys signature red grape, at home in the in the warm Tuscan climate, & here with the expertise of Banfis winemaking, Sangiovese really shows its varietal character. Well-defined notes of liquorice & cedar on the nose are followed by an intense yet medium-bodied palate crammed with flavours of red & black cherries. Classic tomato-based Italian dishes rarely go better with anything else! ...

Alejandro Sejanovich is one of Argentina's most knowledgeable winemakers. Tim Atkin MW named him as one of his top 10 winemakers from South America in 2019. He worked as vineyard director at Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years, where he pioneered the art of high-altitude vineyards. He creates this Chardonnay in the dizzying Los Arboles district. & his expertise really shows in its notes of peach, apricot & tropical fruits. Try it with a vegetable terrine. ...

Alejandro Sejanovich is one of Argentina's most knowledgeable winemakers. Tim Atkin MW named him as one of his top 10 winemakers from South America in 2019. He worked as vineyard director at Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years, where he pioneered the art of high-altitude vineyards. Expect a bold Malbec with lush dark fruit & black pepper notes. Enjoy with pan-seared steak. ...

This old (pasada) Manzanilla comes from the heralded Hidalgo family where it is blended by the head 'capitaz' Antonio Sanchez. To acquire such knowledge as a capitaz requires a lifetime of dedication, as they must be familiar with the taste of every cask in the Bodega. An intense nose of apple skins & nuts leads on to a palate characterised by classic notes of almonds, orange peel & a salty twang. A prolonged finish marks this out as a wine of real quality. This Manzanilla should be served chilled as a stunning aperitif. ...

The rolling hills of Maranges are home to around 170 hectares of vines, including 7 Premier Cru sites. This wine comes from a single plot of 40-year-old vines, h&-harvested & sorted. The wine is aged in new & year-old Burgundian oak barrels. Blackberries, red cherries & gentle spices characterise the nose, supported by subtle truffle & liquorice notes. Robust, compact yet nicely supple & well-rounded on the palate. Pair with rustic hams or traditional coq au vin. ...

Portuguese winemaker Rita Marques met South African Superstar Marc Kent whilst Rita was expanding her horizons by working a vintage at Boekenhoutskloof – the estate behind The Chocolate Block. They enjoyed working together so much that they decided to set up a new venture together in Rita's native Portugal. Companhia de Vinos Invencível was born, & true to its name, the bond has been invincible ever since. A blend of indigenous grapes from vines over 90 years old, this wine celebrates Portuguese tradition & modern winemaking. Expect notes of blossom, zesty lemon & crisp grapefruit. The balance of fresh acidity & hints of oak make it a great match with rich fish dishes or chicken in a creamy sauce. ...