MONTECILLO RIOJA

The third oldest Bodega in Rioja, Montecillo devotes itself to a single-minded pursuit of quality.

MONTECILLO Rioja Blanco 2007
Intensely fruity and aromatic nose with hints of wild apple. Very smooth, creamy and fresh with deep fruit flavours. Lively and persistent.

MONTECILLO Rioja Tinto Crianza 2004
Powerful red fruit and jam aromas with notes of vanilla . Medium-bodied, soft, velvety and intense. Dark fruit and liquorice flavours supported by spicey, woody notes.

12 bottles for the price of 11 from now until the end of 2008

Offer open for NEW customers for Montecillo. Please contact our sales@hbjwines.co.uk for more information.

Wines from our portfolio acclaimed

GUERRIERI RIZZARDI 

on  www.wineanorak.com/blog
Jamie Goode is attracted by

Guerrieri Rizzardi Bardolino Classico 2007  Light red in colour, this is like a very dark rose more than a red wine. Sweet, bright cherry fruit dominates the nose and palate. It's quite rounded, with a rich texture, a hint of sappiness and just a touch of spicy tannin on the finish. Joyful and quite drinkable, but would work well with a range of foods, too. There's a place for this sort of wine. 87/100

Guerrieri Rizzardi Costeggiola 2007 Soave Classico
A single vineyard blend of Garganega and Chardonnay. Quite deep yellow colour. Fresh and herby with citrussy notes and a slightly pithy bitterness. A full flavoured wine with a tangy finish. Distinctive. 89/100

TRAPICHE BROQUEL

The Broquel range is hand-harvested from carefully selected vineyards, and vinified using traditional techniques to bring out the best of the variety.

BROQUEL TORRONTES 2007 (imminent arrival)

Torrontés grapes from the Cafayate Valley, vineyards at 1750 meters. A deliciously fresh, aromatic wine with a special affinity for spicy foods from Asia or South America.

BROQUEL PINOT NOIR 2006 (in stock) and then 2007

Cool-climate Pinot Noir from the Uco Valley, a really outstanding example of the variety, with nine months in French oak. Limited quantity.

BROQUEL CABERNET FRANC 2006 (in stock)

An unusual variety in Argentina, grown in Cruz de Piedra. Subtle and concentrated, with 15 months in French and American oak.
'This could knock Sauvignon on its head. I could happily drink this'  Mike Worrall, The Cinnamon Club (Harper's Argentina Supplement September 2008)

GRAHAM HEWITT

GRAHAM HEWITT has joined HBJ and is busy developing business in the north of England to the Border and in north Wales, and including the off-shore islands. He brings experience in country house hotel management, followed by several years in the wine trade. He lives in the Peak District with his wife Caroline, where they spend a lot of time gardening., making music and exploring the Peak District. Graham's garden is in the UKVA Mercian District and he expects his first crop of Pinot Meunier and Gewurztraminer in 2010. Contact Graham on graham.hewitt@hbjwines.co.uk

News From Around The World

Firebird Legend goes international and will soon be on sale in The Netherlands and in Sweden.

Decanter World Wine Awards - a wide- ranging haul of medals from a limited entry to this relatively new competition - these competitions are becoming expensive to participate in, so it was pleasing to see this result!

Read more

Snowdon Conquered (again)

Snowdon Charity Challenge result - the team (Left to right - Paul Floyd for Eltham College, Mark Wilson for de Bortoli Martin Allen for HBJ, Matt Pym for Majestic Wine Warehouses) and  not only survived but achieved a very respectable time over the taxing course (cycle 40 miles around Snowdon, run up and down the mountain and paddle a canoe round Lake Padarn) and raised over £5000 for our charity Regain.

Congratulations are due all round!