Ray Recommends... Best of the Spectator 2023
The cream of the crop from super-scribe Jonathan Ray.
Free next day delivery with this offer case
We are proud of our long-standing relationship with The Spectator magazine and, despite his frequently besmirching us in print, we do have something of a soulmate in their consummate critic Jonathan Ray. Herewith, a selection of some of his and our favourite wines that have featured in the magazine this year. (The quotes below are Jonathan's own).
This mixed case contains two bottles each of:
WHITE:
Mosel: Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Alte Reben Trocken Riesling 2020
"The 2020 Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt 'Alte Reben' Riesling Trocken from a 650 year-old, family-run estate in the Mosel, Germany, is lovely, full of fresh green apples and just a hint of honey. It's deeply refreshing and so light on its feet. Fine, dry, easy-going, crowd-pleasing, lowish-alcohol German Riesling as beguiling as this should be in everyone's fridge."
Chablis: Domaine Christophe Camu 2022
"It has that elusive whisper of honey on the nose – it's there and it's gone – and an green apple-laden, bone-dry finish. It's fresh and - thanks to the fruit of 50 year-old vines - intense and concentrated."
RED:
IGP Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes: Cave Saint-Désirat Gamay 2022
"Lusciously drinkable, it shows just how amiable a grape Gamay can be."
Fitou: Domaine des Rebouls 2018
"The 2018 Domaines des Rebouls Fitou is as fine an example I’ve had from this red-only Appellation in France Profonde. A typical blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah – roughly a third of each – it’s rich, juicy, fruity and spicy and, unfiltered and with five years' bottle age, it can do with decanting. I'd pay another fiver at least for wine of this quality and wouldn't moan."
Saumur Champigny: Domaine Filliatreau 2020
"100 per cent organic/biodynamic Cabernet Franc from the Loire, it's super-fresh yet concentrated, with plenty of lively bramble fruit and a touch of spice."
Bordeaux Supérieur: Château d'Abzac 2021
"...a first-rate petit château at a crazy price. This elegant 100 per cent Merlot from near Pomerol, just north of Libourne, is an absolute steal."
2 x Mosel: Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Alte Reben Trocken Riesling 2020£0.00
Classic aromatic Riesling with salty, spicy minerality that is sourced from old vines (over 25 years) in the Mosel, the Ruwer and Saar valleys.
2 x Chablis: Domaine Christophe Camu 2022£0.00
Classy, unoaked Chablis from a talented, sixth generation winemaker. It is light and supple enough to savor without accompaniment but will take all manner of crustacea and seafood in its stride.
2 x IGP Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes: Cave Saint-Désirat Gamay 2022£0.00
This Gamay Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes from the Cave de Saint-Désirat co-opérative drinks well lightly-chilled in the Summer and makes a fine accompaniment to all manner of picnics, barbecues and light lunches.
2 x Fitou: Domaine des Rebouls 2018£0.00
A juicy, spicy blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache from the red wine only appellation of Fitou. It took us a while to find a Fitou we liked, and this one we love!
2 x Saumur Champigny: Domaine Filliatreau 2020£0.00
The Filliatreaus' principal cuvée in volume terms is their Saumur Champigny which is a big seller on the Parisian restaurant circuit. Like many Loire red wines, it is best served lightly-chilled and makes a great foil for simple grills or charcuterie. Certified organic.
2 x Bordeaux Supérieur: Château d'Abzac 2021£0.00
Made from 100% Merlot, this Bordeaux Supérieur from Château d'Abzac is the fruit of our grail-like quest to find an affordable and characterful claret. Already a hit with the Yapp cognoscenti, this precocious 'Petit Château' has alluring red berry aromas preceding a palate with a wealth of cassis flavours, great concentration and fine balance.
