Our sincerest apologies but we are closed while me carry out a major refurbishment and change to our operating model.
Welcome to premier cru
For the past nine years, we’ve been a compass through the vast landscape of French wines
(and a few other countries from time to time)
We are currently going through some big renovations, during this time we will be closed.
We closed at the end of August, and we plan to reopen at the end of October. I’d like to apologies to our loyal patrons and our new ones for being closed for such a long time.
The changes are substantial and when we reopen, we will open as a premier wine bar serving fine wines by both the bottle and the glass. In addition to this we will also be serving light food and snacks. You also be able enjoy a few good beers, cocktails and sprits.
Our shelves will still tell stories:
Our Collection
We will still be carrying some top wines from France but now we will also be carrying several references from other countries.
Deep purple. Ripe black cherry, plum, blueberry, hints of olive tapenade, bacon fat, and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, rounder and more generous than typical Crozes, with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Approachable fruit core.
Approachable now but will improve with short-term aging. Best 2025-2032. Enjoyable in its youth with decanting.
About Brunel de la Gardine
Located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Gardine (often referred to as Brunel de la Gardine) is a renowned, family-owned estate steeped in Rhône tradition, established by Gaston Brunel in the mid-20th century, and now run by the 3rd and 4th generations (Patrick and Maxime Brunel).
They are celebrated for their traditional style with finesse: While deeply traditional (using concrete tanks, large foudres), they emphasize balance, elegance, and freshness over sheer power, often achieving remarkable drinkability relatively young while maintaining aging potential.
Events
keep update on events
We will hosting events when we reopen. These will range from wine tastings to food and wine pairings.
New references
In addition to fine French wines from Burgundy, Alsace, Rhone Valley, Jura, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Champagne… You will also be able to enjoy great wines from around the world, the US, China, Spain to mention but a few.
Gold coloured with attractive nose of exotic fruit as passion fruit, green mango with hint of honey. On the palate it is round and full body with good balance of acidity and complexity. Long finish with notes of citrus fruit and spices mixed with caramel.
Ready to drink now to 10 years.
Luminous deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of black and red cherries, quinine, cocoa and licorice, with a violet undertone. Enters smooth and suave, then elegant and austere in the middle but with building creaminess to the sweet and silky flavours of dark cherry, smoky plum, sandalwood and sweet spices. The aftertaste is long, mouth-coating and round. This is excellent, somewhat reminiscent of an Amarone-styled wine that is very well balanced. Stainless-steel fermented, and aged in old oak (third fill) 500-liter and 225-liter barrels for twelve months, then another eighteen months in bottle prior to going on sale. Drinking window: 2026-2034.
CRITIC REVIE: Ian D'Agata 94 points
Grape Profile: Beichun Beichun is hybrid between wild grapes from Jilin Provence in China and muscat from Xinjiang, a unique variety with high sugar levels only grown in Xinjiang.
Some baked dark cherries, blueberry compote, roasted herbs, sesame, black pepper, menthol, clove. A hint of minerality. Pretty fresh on the palate, juicy and full-bodied, with firm yet silky tannins. Nicely fluid and dry in the middle followed by a bright finish. An outstanding Saperavi from Puchang. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
Ready to drink now to 2027.
Awards: 2022 CWS Silver Medal, JS 93 points
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Private Tastings and Parties
Private home tastings, boat trips parties, private parties
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Our thoughts on wine
Our very subjective view on everything wine
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Wine Regions of France
The French wine regions and links to the regions