Wine Club Offers | March 2025
Exploring Exceptional Wines & Whisky with Vernon Branham
As a sommelier, I take great pleasure in discovering and sharing outstanding wines and spirits that bring history, craftsmanship, and flavour together. This month, I’ve selected four standout bottles that are not only exceptional in taste but also rich in story. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply looking to expand your palate, these selections promise something special.
RED WINE
2022 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico
Normal price: £23.95
Wine Club price: £19
Established in 1141, the Ricasoli family is the fifth oldest wine-producing family in the world. Their estate, the Red Stone Costa, has stood for centuries, overlooking vineyards and olive groves in the heart of Tuscany. The family played a pivotal role in Chianti’s history, with the word “Chianti” first appearing in their 15th-century family tree, making them the originators of Chianti wine.
This Sangiovese and Colorino blend showcases a majestic ruby colour, delivering an elegant and refined experience on the palate. It is a true ambassador for the Brolio region, offering remarkable quality without the highest price tag—a dream for wine lovers.
WHITE WINE
2023 Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Normal price: £17
Wine Club price: £13
Having met Fiona Turner, the owner and winemaker, as well as Matt Thomson, one of New Zealand’s most respected winemakers, I can confidently say that Tinpot Hut wines are made with exceptional attention to detail and uncompromising quality.
Named after a former sheep farm, the estate’s iconic tin shed once stored mustering supplies and later paint tins—not the most romantic history, but certainly unique! This Sauvignon Blanc delivers all the classic Marlborough notes of gooseberry and nettle, but with Fiona’s expertise, it also offers layers of fresh fig, lemongrass, and thyme, making it an instant favourite at our Wine Bars.
SPECIAL MENTION
2022 Burn Valley Vineyard Solaris
Normal price: £22
Wine Club price: £17
Founded in 2015 by sisters Laura and Samantha Robinson, Burn Valley Vineyard benefits from a south-facing, flinty chalk base, which retains warmth during the day and protects the vines at night.
The Solaris grape, meaning “Sun” in Latin, was developed in Germany in 1975, blending Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Muscat. This hardy grape thrives in cooler climates and produces a fruity, dry wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its subtle peach and apricot notes are reminiscent of a cool-climate Viognier, making it an excellent choice for those seeking something different yet familiar.
SPECIAL MENTION
The English Distillery Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky
Normal price: £65
Wine Club price: £58
We are thrilled to have restocked this exceptional whisky, which has been crowned 2024’s Best Single Malt Whisky in the World by Whisky Magazine. Produced right here in Norfolk, this Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt has gained worldwide recognition for its rich and complex character. A must-try for whisky enthusiasts.
Bottled by hand at its Norfolk distillery, The English Sherry Cask is an unpeated single malt whisky, which has been matured from start to finish in the finest PX sherry casks to create a stunning expression that has been well worth the wait.
Aromas of rich dark fruits from the sherry-filled casks combine in a nose of raw honey and vanilla, leading to a burst of sweet toffee, cherries and digestives on the palate. The result is a wonderfully balanced and rich whisky that is not outshone by the wood.