JOSEPH BARNES WINES IN SAFFRON WALDEN
Based in Saffron Walden, Essex, the award-winning Joseph Barnes Wines was founded by Charles Hardcastle who named the business after his grandfather, a clothing manufacturer from Leeds. Right from its inception, the aim of Joseph Barnes Wines has been to introduce their customers to interesting and unusual handcrafted wines from small, independent chateaux and domaines largely from regional France but also from other areas of the wine world, and to this end the mission has been to constantly seek out new and exciting wines that are rarely available elsewhere but still represent great value for money.
In addition to their website, they operate a small but well-stocked shop in the centre of Saffron Walden from where they also conduct regular wine tastings and locally-renowned food and wine matching dinners. These events are a great way to expand your drinking repertoire, we're talking about a mixture of small-scale, off-the-beaten track, artisan producers alongside low-volume, super-premium classics from those with established and well-earned reputations. These offers the perfect opportunity to try before you buy and a good expert service. Strike a good relationship with them and the road to better drinking begins.
You also can enjoy browsing their selection of wines on their website. TheY have no minimum order and cases can be mixed according to taste and budget. They deliver free within a 20 mile radius of Saffron Walden. Delivery is also free when you order £100.00 or more of their wines. The tip for online success is buying wine from a reputable online supplier. Shop with an established retailer, preferably someone witha physical store as well as an online presence. Online customer feedback is worth checking out, too. The pros of buying wine on the internet is the fantastic range, the availability of mature wines or the classic wines no longer in the mainstream, and the door-to-door services.
Some of their Awards and Recognition of their Excellence:
- September 2007, JBW named 'Independent Specialist Wine Merchant of the Year' by Decanter Magazine & The World Wine Awards
- December 2009, JBW voted runner-up in the Daily Telegraph 'Food and Drink Retailer of the Year'
- March 2010, JBW voted runner-up in the International Wine & Spirits Competition, 'Independent Retailer of the Year'.
- November 2011, JBW shortlisted for the International Wine & Spirits Competition, 'Independent Retailer of the Year'.
BODEGAS URBINA RIOJA GRAN RESERVA 2004
Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total - 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura - and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. The Gran Reserva 2004 is 95% Tempranillo with a splash of Mazuelo and Graciano from 20 year old vines. Aged for 2 years in new oak and for a further 3 years in the bottle, this is an elegant and concentrated red.
A garnet-red in colour with a complex nose of dried red fruit, vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, harmonious and rich with a velvety texture and a lengthy finish. Superb! Drink with slow braised shoulder of lamb with roasted vegetables, roast duck in a sherry sauce with Serrano ham or sauteed pheasant pieces marinated in vinegar, garlic and spices.
