{"title":"Large Formats","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom magnums to jeroboams and beyond, our large-format wine collection is suited to celebratory dining, gifting and special occasions. These impressive bottles bring generosity to the table, with wines carefully selected by Tim from classic regions and trusted producers.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"domaine-de-pouilly-pouilly-fuisse-aop-2023-magnum","title":"Pouilly-Fuissé AOP 2023 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Pouilly-Fuissé brings together Chardonnay from clay-limestone parcels around Solutré-Pouilly. The varied exposures provide ripe fruit and breadth, while the calcareous soils contribute a fresh mineral line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are pressed pneumatically and the juice settles for around twelve hours before fermentation, principally in stainless steel with a portion in barrel. Full malolactic fermentation and nine months in oak casks add suppleness and depth without masking the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuminous gold with a youthful green highlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh pear, lemon and white peach open into almond, acacia honey and discreet buttered oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerous but composed, with ripe orchard fruit, citrus acidity and a clear mineral thread. The magnum format supports a particularly gradual evolution, and the finish remains long, smooth and delicately nutty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent large-format choice for a shared table, alongside salmon en croûte, roast capon with bread sauce, glazed ham, or a potato and Taleggio gratin. Serve at 11–13°C and allow the bottle to warm gently in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomaine de Pouilly is based in Solutré-Pouilly at the heart of the Mâconnais. Brothers Vincent and Pierre-Antoine Besson represent the family's fifth generation of winegrowers, following a line that began with their grandfather Pétrus in 1933.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the same 2023 Pouilly-Fuissé cuvée presented in magnum. The larger bottle is well suited to celebrations and typically encourages slower, more even development, making it attractive both for drinking across a long meal and for further cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine de Pouilly","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7849007775804,"sku":"VBFUISSEMG23","price":61.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/4a88baa32448f561f5679cd4ebfec7c7_41fe5412-36fa-4312-acde-76f39ecd04e7.jpg?v=1525262976"},{"product_id":"braida-di-giacomo-bologna-il-baciale-monferrato-rosso-doc-magnum-2010","title":"\"Il Bacialé\" Monferrato Rosso DOC 2010 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIl Bacialé 2010 brings together 60% Barbera with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Braida vineyards in Castelnuovo Calcea, San Marzano Oliveto and Rocchetta Tanaro. Barbera supplies energy and red-fruit brightness, while the French varieties add darker fruit, tannic shape and savoury depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe varieties were vinified separately: Barbera matured in large Slavonian oak, while the French components spent 12 months in smaller French barriques. After blending, the wine rested for a further 12 months in large casks and another year in bottle. The magnum has encouraged slow development; stand it upright before opening and decant according to condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep garnet with ruby depth at the centre and a mature brick-red rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlackberry, dried cherry and plum unfold into walnut, cedar, black pepper and a gentle smoky note.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eFull and harmonious, with mature black fruit framed by smooth tannins and Barbera's sustaining acidity. Dark chocolate, tobacco and savoury spice add detail, while the large format has helped preserve freshness through a long, settled finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBring the magnum to the table with a rib of beef, slow-roast pork shoulder, venison and chestnut casserole, or a board of mature hard cheeses. Serve at around 17°C and allow the wine to open steadily rather than aerating it aggressively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Piedmontese tradition, a bacialé was a matchmaker. Braida chose the name for a wine that performs the same role in the cellar, bringing Barbera together with international varieties and allowing the contrasting grapes to find a balanced, characterful union.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGiacomo Bologna's openness to ideas beyond Piedmont helped drive the estate's reinvention of Barbera. Sommelier's Choice has collaborated with the Bologna family for more than twenty years; this mature 2010 magnum reflects both their experimental spirit and their instinct for convivial wines made to be shared.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Braida di Giacomo Bologna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7849027239996,"sku":"BACIALEMG10","price":54.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/Il-Baciale_-Monferrato-Rosso-DOC_437e4ec4-8e0a-4a51-8949-e94669a7a7e0.png?v=1731769524"},{"product_id":"braida-di-giacomo-bologna-barbera-d-asti-docg-bricco-dell-uccellone-2018-magnum","title":"\"Bricco Dell’Uccellone\" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2018 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBricco dell'Uccellone is made solely from Barbera grown on the estate's celebrated hillside at Rocchetta Tanaro. The vineyard's clay and sand soils, favourable exposure and carefully controlled yields produce deeply flavoured grapes while preserving the variety's naturally vigorous acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 was matured in small oak barrels before further refinement in bottle. Presented in magnum, it has evolved more slowly than a standard bottle, retaining generous fruit and energy while the oak and tannins integrate. Decanting for around an hour will help it unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntense ruby-garnet with a dark core and youthful depth for its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack cherry and wild berry aromas are threaded with mint, liquorice, vanilla and dark chocolate, followed by a touch of sweet tobacco.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpansive and structured, with ripe cherry, blackberry and plum held in balance by mouth-watering Barbera acidity. Polished tannins and savoury oak lend form without hardening the fruit, while cocoa, clove and balsamic notes build towards a long, resonant finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe magnum format makes this ideal for a shared table: serve with roast rib of beef, lamb shoulder with rosemary, baked pasta with beef ragù, or aged Taleggio. Pour at 17°C in generous glasses to show the wine's scale and aromatic range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBricco dell'Uccellone takes its name from an elderly woman who once lived near the vineyard and was nicknamed “l'uselun”—the big bird. First made from the 1982 harvest, the wine became Giacomo Bologna's defining demonstration that Barbera could combine richness, oak maturation and genuine longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat bold idea helped change the standing of Barbera far beyond Piedmont. Sommelier's Choice has worked with the Bologna family for over twenty years, valuing not only the precision of wines such as Uccellone but also the warmth and conviction with which they are made.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Braida di Giacomo Bologna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7849042968636,"sku":"UCCELLMG18","price":131.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/3a63391b7fc00636246177c8ae060069_3417ccdd-3072-4c87-8edd-8b491974b273.jpg?v=1525263330"},{"product_id":"braida-di-giacomo-bologna-bricco-dell-uccellone-barbera-d-asti-2008-magnum","title":"Bricco Dell’Uccellone Barbera d’Asti 2008 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eBricco dell'Uccellone is 100% Barbera from a six-hectare, south-facing estate vineyard above Rocchetta Tanaro. Its mixed clay and yellow-sand soils, together with reduced yields, produce fruit of exceptional concentration while preserving the acidity that gives fine Barbera its vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe wine was matured in small French oak barrels and then refined in bottle. This 2008 magnum has aged more slowly than a standard bottle, allowing its powerful fruit and oak structure to integrate over time. Stand upright before opening and decant carefully, checking its development as it meets the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep garnet with a dark core and a mature brick-red margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlack cherry, dried blackberry and plum are layered with mint, liquorice, cigar box and polished oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eVoluptuous yet still energetic, with concentrated dark fruit carried by Barbera's persistent acidity. The tannins are smooth and integrated, while cocoa, balsamic herbs and savoury earth mark its evolution. The finish is resonant, warm and impressively long.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eShare with beef shin braised in Barbera, roast saddle of venison, truffle and Parmesan polenta, or a mature blue-veined cheese. Serve at around 17°C in large glasses and avoid rushing the wine after opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard's name recalls an elderly woman who lived nearby and was nicknamed “l'uselun”, the big bird. First produced from the 1982 harvest, Bricco dell'Uccellone became Giacomo Bologna's landmark demonstration that low yields and French barriques could reveal an ageworthy, world-class dimension to Barbera.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat achievement altered the international standing of both the grape and the estate. Sommelier's Choice has enjoyed more than twenty years of collaboration with the Bologna family, and this mature magnum captures the ambition, generosity and longevity at the heart of that relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Braida di Giacomo Bologna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7849043132476,"sku":"UCCELLMG8","price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/3a63391b7fc00636246177c8ae060069_27f875e4-2337-4602-80ed-98a123119687.jpg?v=1525263334"},{"product_id":"corteforte-valpolicella-ripasso-doc-2020-magnum","title":"Valpolicella Ripasso DOC 2020 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2020 Ripasso is led by 65% Corvina and 20% Rondinella with Molinara and other traditional grapes from Corteforte’s Fumane vineyards. The vines grow at roughly 150–300 metres on south-west-facing, clay-limestone hillsides, with low yields contributing depth while Corvina provides the wine’s essential cherry fruit and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung Valpolicella was refermented on the skins and pomace left from Amarone, the ripasso passage adding body, texture and savoury dried-fruit complexity. Six to eight months in a combination of seasoned and newer French oak followed. This magnum contains the same wine as the standard format but offers a slower, more measured evolution and generous table service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright ruby-garnet with a clear, youthful core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSour cherry and red plum are layered with blackberry, dried herbs and a hint of leather. Black pepper, clove and woodland notes bring a savoury counterpoint to the ripe fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobust yet balanced, with juicy cherry and plum broadened by the second fermentation. Supple tannins, lively acidity and discreet oak spice lead to a persistent finish of dried fruit, pepper and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnum is ideal for a shared table: serve with porchetta, beef and pancetta meatballs, roast lamb with rosemary, or baked rigatoni with smoked mozzarella. A platter of mature Italian cheeses will also suit its generous savoury fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ripasso method—literally a second “pass”—links fresh Valpolicella with the dried-grape intensity of Amarone. By refermenting the young wine on Amarone pomace, Corteforte builds greater depth without turning the result into a miniature Amarone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorteforte has worked from its historic Fumane estate since Carlo Maria Cerutti began commercial production in 1989. With around three hectares and extensive underground cellars, the property is well suited to small batches and patient maturation; in magnum, this 2020 should be served at about 16–18°C.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Corteforte","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7849043525692,"sku":"CFVALPOLMG20","price":63.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/65a296a49e8723c0bf21f5c7acde29dc_0a9dc63b-dc1e-43d5-a6e0-8697eda9b4b5.jpg?v=1525263341"},{"product_id":"alcaudon-rioja-crianza-2020-doca-magnum","title":"Rioja Crianza DOCa 2020 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Rioja Crianza is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and 5% Mazuelo from old vines in Rioja Alta. Clay-limestone soils and the vineyards’ position between the Sierra de Cantabria and Sierra de la Demanda encourage ripe fruit with the acidity needed for balance and graceful development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand-picked grapes are destemmed, gently pressed and fermented in small, temperature-controlled vats. Maturation lasts 12 months in French and American oak, followed by at least six months in bottle. Presented in magnum, the larger volume allows the wine to evolve more slowly once cellared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLustrous cherry red, deepening to ruby at the centre with the first suggestion of garnet at the edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe cherry and red plum open into dried herbs, vanilla pod and sweetly scented oak spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmooth and energetic, with red berry and plum fruit framed by fine tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the palate poised, while notes of cedar, clove and liquorice build towards a savoury finish. The magnum format offers excellent potential for steady, measured development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn ideal large-format red for a shared table: pair it with roast rib of beef, slow-cooked shoulder of lamb, a generously filled meat paella, or wild-mushroom pie. A board of Manchego and mature British cheeses will carry it comfortably into the end of the meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlcaudón belongs to the Clípeo wine project in Rioja Alta, where oenologist Juan Carlos Sancha works with Eduardo, Miguel and Javier. Their focus on old vines and careful cellar work gives the range a clear connection to the lower Najerilla landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMagnums are more than a celebratory format: the lower ratio of oxygen to wine generally encourages slower maturation. For this 2020 Crianza, that makes the larger bottle well suited both to generous gatherings now and to further cellar ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alcaudon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21140138819644,"sku":"ALCAUDCRIANZAMG20","price":35.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/HR_Alcaudon_Crianza_fondo_blanco_558c13cc-247d-4c4f-b417-328737c1f61b.jpg?v=1542804311"},{"product_id":"maior-de-mendoza-albarino-sobre-lias-do-rias-baixas-2021-magnum","title":"Albariño \"Sobre Lias\" DO Rías Baixas 2021 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaior de Mendoza Sobre Lías comes from two old estate vineyards close to the sea in the Val do Salnés. Planted before the creation of the Rías Baixas denomination, the Albariño grows in granite-sandy soils under traditional pergolas, with wide rows that encourage airflow and manual farming without herbicides or aggressive systemic treatments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 grapes were hand-picked into 20-kilogram boxes, followed by an average of ten hours of cold skin contact and a 21-day fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine then rested for three months on its finest lees in stainless steel with bâtonnage, gaining creaminess and aromatic persistence while retaining its Atlantic freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBright straw yellow with green reflections and a very fine natural spritz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrange blossom, mandarin and lychee are joined by peach, loquat and crisp white pear, with a delicate bread-dough note from the lees adding quiet complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh and generous, with ripe orchard fruit, lively acidity and a smooth, lightly creamy texture. A saline mineral note gathers towards the finish, leaving the wine long, balanced and remarkably energetic for its bottle age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnum is ideal for a table of guests: serve with a shellfish platter, whole baked sea bream, paella, or roast chicken with lemon and olives. Its breadth also suits lobster rolls or a generous spread of tapas and grilled vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barros family began growing Albariño in the 1970s and planted one of Galicia's largest holdings of the variety before the Rías Baixas denomination existed. Their winery above Carril continues to focus on estate fruit, manual work and the close relationship between the Atlantic climate and granite-derived soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaior de Mendoza was the first Rías Baixas brand built specifically around lees ageing, inspired in part by traditional home winemaking memories. In magnum, the 2021 Sobre Lías has evolved slowly, preserving freshness while the fine lees and larger format have encouraged a more seamless texture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maior de Mendoza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":29326645329980,"sku":"MMSOBRELIASMG21","price":43.7,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/sobre-lias-2017_238f0c3c-a53f-4c36-a3db-02befde17ac8.png?v=1564053021"},{"product_id":"braida-di-giacomo-bologna-montebruna-barbera-d-asti-docg-2014-3ltr","title":"\"Montebruna\" Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2014 (Jeroboam)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eMontebruna comes entirely from Barbera grown on the family's vineyard at Rocchetta Tanaro. Sand and clay in the local mixed soils encourage both aromatic intensity and structure, while Barbera's incisive acidity keeps the wine animated as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollowing roughly two weeks of temperature-controlled fermentation and maceration, the wine spends a year in large Slavonian oak. This 2014 is presented in a three-litre jeroboam, a format that slows bottle development and helps preserve fruit and freshness; stand upright before serving and allow time for a large-format decant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby-garnet with a concentrated centre and gently mature edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eRipe cherry and raspberry compote meet dried rose, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and a whisper of smoky spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerous and vibrant, with juicy red fruit stretched across Barbera's bright acidity. Polished tannins and restrained large-cask oak add shape, while plum, cocoa and dried herbs gather on the long finish. The jeroboam retains an impressive sense of energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned for a gathering, this is excellent with a whole roast sirloin, porchetta with crackling, a large tray of baked beef cannelloni, or a generous selection of hard cheeses. Serve at 16–17°C and use suitably broad glassware.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Montebruna vineyard was pieced back together over seven years and 35 legal documents after its historic parcels had passed into separate ownership. Reuniting the land realised a Bologna family ambition and inspired art, poetry and music as well as the label's evocation of vineyard rows and landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2014 received 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. Sommelier's Choice has worked with Braida for over two decades, and this rare jeroboam embodies the family's convivial spirit as clearly as it expresses their long commitment to Barbera and Rocchetta Tanaro.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Braida di Giacomo Bologna","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31911078002748,"sku":"MONTE3LT14","price":146.05,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/da8b6b987ab6ea7c42f3aa3fa6fb1cbf_dcbf4139-406e-4c79-9a8b-8b699d4521a4.jpg?v=1585758501"},{"product_id":"chateau-bel-air-vieilles-vignes-montagne-st-emilion-2015-magnum","title":"Château Bel-Air Vieilles Vignes, Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2015 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBel Air’s ten-hectare estate in Montagne is divided between an exposed clay-limestone plateau, where the oldest vines exceed 40 years, and a more clay-rich slope planted with younger parcels. Predominantly Merlot, the Vieilles Vignes draws on mature roots and well-drained ground to combine generous fruit with mineral freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine matured for 12 months in oak and a further 12 months in bottle before release. This magnum contains the same old-vine 2015 cuvée as the standard format, but its larger volume encourages slower evolution and makes it particularly suited to generous service at the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep garnet with ruby reflections and a softly evolved rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack cherry, cassis and plum open into mint, cedar and cocoa. Gentle notes of tobacco and dried violets add detail as the wine takes air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRound and concentrated, with mature dark fruit framed by melted tannins and a fresh mineral line. Oak spice is well integrated, leading to a long finish of blackcurrant, cedar and dried herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnum is ideal for a gathering: pair with roast rib of beef, venison pie, lamb shoulder with garlic, or a large wild-mushroom pithivier. A board of mature hard cheeses will also suit its depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rive family’s history at Bel Air began in 1860, when Elie Rive acquired the first vineyard parcel. François Duverneuil revived the estate from 2005, and his daughter Anaïs took over in 2019, continuing the family’s work with its plateau and hillside vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSommelier’s Choice is delighted to have privileged access to Bel Air’s back catalogue. The estate fits our philosophy of working with family-owned, boutique producers that offer genuine value and a clear sense of origin; the 2015 magnum gives that relationship a particularly celebratory format.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Bel-Air","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40198986039356,"sku":"BELAIRVV15MG","price":71.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/ChateauBel-AirVieillesVignesMontage-St-Emilion_ab320b9a-1544-48ef-a37e-c7dbdc626a39.png?v=1728922746"},{"product_id":"villa-saletta-980-ad-2016-magnum","title":"980 AD 2016 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e980 AD is produced entirely from Cabernet Franc grown on a single hectare at the top of Villa Saletta's Colline cru. Blue marl mixed with yellow sandstone and sand gives the site a complex soil structure, and the fruit is hand-picked and rigorously selected for this exceptionally limited cuvée.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe berries are fermented whole within small new Allier oak barrels, creating a protected redox environment that favours freshness, colour and measured extraction. Complete malolactic fermentation is followed by 24 months in new French oak and six months in bottle. The 2016 yielded just 780 standard bottles and 580 magnums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntense ruby with a near-opaque core and fine garnet highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlackcurrant, blueberry and black cherry unfold into violet, black pepper and rosemary, with layered notes of cocoa, roasted coffee and polished cedar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cp\u003ePowerful yet precise, with concentrated dark fruit, bright acidity and a finely drawn line of Cabernet Franc freshness. The tannins are substantial but refined, supporting savoury herbs, graphite and dark chocolate through a long, complex finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe with fillet of beef and a truffle jus, roast saddle of lamb, wood pigeon with lentils, or a deeply flavoured celeriac and mushroom Wellington. Allow the magnum to stand upright before opening and taste first; decant gently only if the wine remains closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe name 980 AD marks the earliest written reference to winemaking at Villa Saletta. It is the estate's flagship Cabernet Franc and a highly selective expression of the Colline vineyard, produced in tiny quantities under the direction of winemaker David Landini.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis magnum offers slower, more even bottle development than the standard format and is particularly well suited to extended ageing or a larger table. As with any mature, limited-production wine, storage history can create subtle bottle variation, so careful opening and service are worthwhile.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Saletta","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40199013924924,"sku":"VS980ADMG16","price":212.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/VillaSaletta980AD.png?v=1655988311"},{"product_id":"vin-de-constance-2008-magnum","title":"Vin de Constance 2008 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVin de Constance is made from Muscat de Frontignan grown on the slopes of the Constantiaberg, where decomposed granite soils and cooling breezes from False Bay shape fruit of unusual fragrance and acidity. For the 2008 vintage, ripe berries were selected through repeated hand harvests as they naturally concentrated and raisined on the vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intensely sweet juice fermented slowly before the wine matured for four and a half years in 500-litre French and Hungarian oak barrels, around 60% new. This long élevage integrated the wine's richness and spice while preserving the luminous acidity that has always distinguished Constantia's celebrated natural sweet wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlowing amber-gold with copper reflections and a rich, satin-like viscosity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRipe apricot, orange marmalade and fresh Muscat grapes rise from the glass with rose petal, cinnamon, cumin and acacia honey. A faint note of dark chocolate adds mature complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntensely concentrated and silky, with orange pomander, apricot and honey balanced by finely etched citrus acidity. Sweetness is substantial but never static; ginger and spice gather through the palate before a long, lifted finish of marmalade and fragrant peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour with apricot tart, orange-scented crème brûlée, blue cheese or a warm almond cake, or serve a small glass on its own after dinner. The magnum format makes an especially graceful centrepiece for a larger gathering and allows this long-lived wine to develop slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstantia's sweet wine became one of the most sought-after bottles of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, admired at European courts and referenced by writers including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. After disappearing from production, it was revived at Klein Constantia in the 1980s under the historic name Vin de Constance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2008 was made by Adam Mason and bottled during Matthew Day's tenure, at a point before the estate moved towards a lighter, shorter maturation regime. In magnum, this mature yet enduring vintage offers both a generous serving format and slower evolution, uniting the wine's storied past with the precision of modern Klein Constantia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Klein Constantia Estate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54933467824510,"sku":"01CONSTANCE08MG","price":265.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/klein-constantia-vin-de-constance-2008-magnum-bottle-standard-v2.png?v=1789042594"},{"product_id":"collazzi-igt-toscana-2012-magnum","title":"Collazzi IGT Toscana 2012 (Magnum)","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyards and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollazzi is the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-led flagship blend, supported by Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from rocky clay and limestone soils near Florence. Each variety and parcel was harvested by hand and vinified separately to preserve its contribution to the final wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter rigorous sorting, fermentation took place below 30°C in stainless steel with approximately 18 to 20 days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation was completed in barriques, followed by 18 months in French oak and further bottle ageing before release. The magnum format has encouraged slow, even development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep garnet with a dark ruby core and a fine brick-red edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackberry, blackcurrant and plum are layered with balsamic herbs, violet, coffee bean and damp earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull-bodied and silky, with mature dark fruit, fine but persistent tannins and balancing freshness. Black truffle, cedar and savoury spice unfold through the long, composed finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe magnum is ideal for a larger table alongside slow-roast beef rib, wild boar ragù, braised ox cheek, or a porcini and Parmesan polenta bake. Stand upright before serving and decant carefully for around an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollazzi lies at Impruneta, a few kilometres south-west of Florence, on a historic estate owned by the Marchi family since 1933. The Renaissance villa is traditionally associated with designs by Michelangelo, while the modern vineyards were substantially restructured from the mid-1990s under Lamberto de' Frescobaldi and oenologist Alberto Torelli.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flagship Collazzi was first produced in 1999 and is built for extended bottle ageing. James Suckling awarded the 2012 93 points. This listing is for a single 150cl magnum, whose slower maturation has helped retain fruit and harmony while tertiary notes have begun to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fattoria I Collazzi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54974536679806,"sku":"COLLAZZIMG12","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/products\/5666e03d5ffbc8c51fdfcb81eceb9f92_95874ad3-28a6-4482-ae62-5768901cde3d.jpg?v=1585734975"}],"url":"https:\/\/sommelierschoice.co.uk\/collections\/large-formats.oembed","provider":"Sommelier's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}