A blend of different sites from across the Rheingau, this is a step into the world of Eva Fricke - and it is an exciting one at that. A vibrant pulse of acidity lies at the heart of the wine, but there is ample fruit too with juicy white peach and ripe red apple. Subtle white flowers and ocean spray with a lift of citrus peel too. Such a refreshing glass, it is difficult to imagine a more appealing glass of Riesling.

This tantalising wine has been made especially for Lay & Wheeler from the deep sand and Löess soils from the Sandgrube vineyard. The nose displays wonderful aromas of citrus, crushed shells and white pepper. The acidity is crisp and refreshing, with an attractive saline palate. Such a great example of the indigenous grape, Grüner Veltliner, produced by a grower that is greatly admired in the region.

This is such a joyful, fragrant style of Syrah that is full of charm coming from vines planted just beyond the limits of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. The 2023 is another success showing classic aromatics of red cherry, wild herbs and a little pepper note. There floral notes of peonies and violets mingle with the fruit and there is much freshness and juiciness through the palate. This is so easy to enjoy!

Magali Combard’s wines from Figuière have quickly become a go-to on our list. Her signature cuvée is so well balanced and refreshing, you’ll be reaching for another glass in no time. It is pale salmon pink, and has a beautifully expressive nose, with notes of fresh citrus, strawberries, and dried herbs. The palate is silky smooth, with a fresh pink grapefruit energy. It is the perfect Provençal rosé, and a brilliant price.

Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson MW are among New Zealand’s most dynamic winemakers. With more that forty years joint experience making wine in New Zealand and further afield, they know better than most where to find the best parcels of grapes, to craft into refined, characterful wines. So we were thrilled when they agreed to work with us on Our Collection, using grapes grown in a single vineyard in the Dillons Point sub-region. This is a brilliant example of a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, that has lots of the upfront fruit you’d expect from the style, but with an added layer of minerality and complexity. It really is a cut above.

Bright, fresh and floral, with hints of wild berries. There is a juicy concentration on the core and the wine displays great structure for a Nebbiolo.

2024 was a very dry season giving rise very low yields but with added concentration. This is a blend of 6 vineyards each with their own range of styles. A true benchmark Chardonnay with layers of complexity. 20% new French barrels, there is a subtle flinty note, orange peel, fresh apricot and orchard fruit, with notes of acacia and blossom. Bright and zesty on the palate the finish is long and mouthwatering.

From a site on the top of the hill, this really is an Arneis apart. So mineral, fresh, with a fine thread of acidity, and such texture on the finish. This is wonderfully judged: it’s fresh, fine, and utterly delicious.

Montaiguillon’s 2020 is another resounding success, continuing a string of excellent vintages at the estate. It is a deep ruby colour with notes of spiced plums, cassis and blackberries on the nose. There’s a savoury, graphite note woven through the juicy, sumptuous palate. Its rounded tannins are already integrated with the plump fruit, and the finish has a fresh, balanced length, the likes of which you’d expect from wines with much bigger price tags.

This delicious white comes from a plot of limestone soil high up on the hill. It’s floral, mineral and zippy, with fantastic energy. This delivers the quality and complexity of a village wine for the price not far off others’ Bourgogne Blancs.

Most of the fruit comes from the Côte de Nuits, with the majority from around Nuits itself, with the balance from the Côte de Beaune. The fruit is the star of the show here - strawberries, raspberries, red plum. It is a fresh and crunchy style of bourgogne, with enough bite to give it a vibrant length. It should drink well from a young age. And it’s an absolute bargain.

Hard to put down. At first it is pretty, floral and inviting on the nose. The palate abounds with densely packed stone fruit flavours, cut through by a fresh, taut line of acidity, showing wonderful tension. It comes from three neighbouring parcels near the cellar, from vines with an average age of 45 years. The additional clay in the soil here gives added depth and length to this cuvée.

Thibaud Chevré is a seriously exciting young talent in the Loire. His father spent a magnificent career working with Thierry Germain, and this wonderful vineyard - Clos de l'Ecotard - was the first parcel the father-and-son team bought. It's found right on the edge of the Saumur’s border with Anjou, and its highly active limestone and clay soil produces taut and nervous wines that reverberate with tension and energy, even in warmer years. They only use horses to plough it, but the extra hard work is worth it. The 2022 continues to see them realising the toil of the past decade, bringing to fruition a truly magnificent Chenin Blanc. It is so pretty and expressive, bursting with chalky, saline focus and texture, and a flash of green pineapple freshness. A brilliant Chenin Blanc. Exclusive to Lay & Wheeler in the UK.

The village bottling of Vauclaire is a new wine for Didier, bottled separately for the first time with the 2022 vintage. This is a parcel on the left bank of the Serein River, planted in 1985 and 1986 near Vosgros and Dessus la Carrière. On the nose this is so fresh and vibrant with aromas of chalk dust, white flowers, apricot and almond blossom. A really beautiful Chablis this year.

A blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, all from estate fruit, the 2019 Ardanza is an exceptional wine this vintage showing both the modern and classical side of this well established Rioja house. This opens with a very classical nose of coconut, vanilla and bright, spiced red berry fruit. There is excellent definition to the floral notes of violets with subtle aromas of dill and dried herbs. The tannins are ripe, with a fine, powdery grip and the finish is so long and bright.

A blend of Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre, this rosé presents a beautiful, delicate pale pink hue with hints of salmon. It is juicy with strawberry, citrus and orange peel aromas. A distinct minerality runs through the wine, giving it a racy and elegant profile. The acidity is bright and crisp, leading to a smooth and dry finish. Perfect for a sunny day or just to have in the fridge.
Available for delivery in May/June.

From one of most highly-awarded boutique wineries in Australia, this beautifully fresh Chardonnay has lifted aromas of grapefruit and white peach, layered with flinty, toasty notes. The palate is rich and textured with plush fruit flavours and racy acidity. Elegant, mineral and long.

An outstanding Soave showing great finesse and aromatic complexity with fine floral aromas, peach and apricot notes and a hint of spicy minerality. Harmoniously balanced, the richly textured fruit flavours lead to a long and elegant finish.

A highly aromatic wine showing zesty citrus aromas combined with ripe stone fruits, a mineral sensation and hint of white pepper. Dry with a refreshing crisp palate of pineapple, tropical fruits and a delicious, dry, citrus finish.

An elegant and beautifully balanced expression, rich in voluptuous dark fruit aromas, with a firm and rounded texture and an alluring cherry and blackberry finish.

A polished and vibrant expression of Sangiovese, it opens with layered aromas of dark red cherry, plum, and blood orange, lifted by notes of spice, cedar and leather. Medium bodied and supple, with fine grained tannins lending structure and a balanced finish.

A Champagne of great finesse and elegance from the Chardonnay and a lovely rich character and structure from the Pinot Noir. The 2016 is a wonderfully fresh and expressive vintage.

The 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine de la Solitude is impressively opulent and full-bodied expression of this classic appellation. The rich texture and complex palate of ripe red berries, sweet spices, with hints of cocoa, garrigue and leather are tethered by fine, silky, well-integrated tannins. With a long and powerful finish.

A fresh and elegant Sauvignon Blanc with classic aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and boxwood. Fruity on the palate with lovely balance and a lingering finish.