April Wine Guru Picks - Jeff Rean

"April is usually the quiet period before the Bordeaux En Primeur storm where we get a chance to rummage through our stocks and pick out some drinking treats for the upcoming summer months.

I’ve picked out a few favourites for the Barbecue season, from a zippy Riesling, a Classed Growth Bordeaux to an Amontillado Sherry. Six different styles to suit a range of tastes, hope you enjoy."

About Jeff

Jeff’s journey into wine began in hospitality, working in high-end venues where his passion for wine took hold. He went on to study International Wine Business at Plumpton College alongside his WSET, spent eight years at Laithwaite’s, and is now helping our members grow their cellars and keeping a close eye on the latest En Primeur releases.

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  • Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 2021

    Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 2021

    Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 2021

    Jeff says, "One of my favourite Classed Growth ‘value’ Pauillac estates. Classic pencil-led, liquorice and mouthcoating tannins. Drink now or lay down."

    From £382.80
    From £382.80
    • Bordeaux, France
    • 75cl
    • 13%
    • Pinot Noir
     
    Critic scores:
    95/100
    94-96/100
  • Bodega El Maestro Sierra, Amontillado, 12 Years Old, Nv - Half-bottle

    Bodega El Maestro Sierra, Amontillado, 12 Years Old, Nv - Half-bottle

    Bodega El Maestro Sierra, Amontillado, 12 Years Old, Nv - Half-bottle

    Jeff says, "Sherry is one of my go-to drinks in the Summer, and Amontillado has the right amount of toasty toffee/caramel notes to satisfy my obsession. Pairs extremely well with any smoked meat or fish, but on its own is delicious!"

    From £23.70
    From £23.70
    £21.33 for Cellar Plan members
    • Jerez, Spain
    • 37.5cl
    • 17.5%
    • Palomino Fino
    Toffee, almond and dried fruit with a nutty complexity, crisp acidity and a long, refined finish
  • Vosne-Romanée, Domaine Jacques Cacheux, 2021

    Vosne-Romanée, Domaine Jacques Cacheux, 2021

    Vosne-Romanée, Domaine Jacques Cacheux, 2021

    Jeff says, "First time tasting Jacques Cacheaux's wines at our Burgundy EP tasting and his range seriously impressed. Sibling of Marianne Duroché and with the best hair in Burgundy, his wines show depth and energy. One for Burgundy lovers to get behind."

    From £60.90
    From £60.90
    • Burgundy, France
    • 75cl
    • 13%
    • Pinot Noir
  • Marchesi Antinori, La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva Vigneto Santa Pia, 2018

    Marchesi Antinori, La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva Vigneto Santa Pia, 2018

    Marchesi Antinori, La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva Vigneto Santa Pia, 2018

    Jeff says, "Underappreciated Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano from one of Italy’s famous winemaking family’s. Already 8 years old and hitting its peak, one word - seductive."

    From £45.00
    From £45.00
    £40.50 for Cellar Plan members
    • Tuscany, Italy
    • 75cl
    • 14.5%
    • Sangiovese
     
    Critic scores:
    94/100
  • Clemens Busch, Riesling Trocken, 2022

    Clemens Busch, Riesling Trocken, 2022

    Clemens Busch, Riesling Trocken, 2022

    Jeff says, "A bone dry, precise and mouthwatering white for any occasion from one of our strongest producer relationships."

    From £18.50
    From £18.50
    £16.65 for Cellar Plan members
    • Mosel, Germany
    • 75cl
    • 10.5%
    • Riesling
    • Organic
    • Biodynamic
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    Subtle notes of pear, ginger and citrus fruit with a creamy palate and long, mineral-driven finish
    Critic scores:
    90/100
  • Pouilly-Fuissé, Tête de Cuvée, Château-Fuissé, 2023

    Pouilly-Fuissé, Tête de Cuvée, Château-Fuissé, 2023

    Pouilly-Fuissé, Tête de Cuvée, Château-Fuissé, 2023

    Jeff says, "Flagship label from Ch-Fuisse. 2023 is jam packed full of flavour, complex rich and incredibly moreish."

    From £35.70
    From £35.70
    • Burgundy, France
    • 75cl
    • Chardonnay
     
    Critic scores:
    90-93/100 ♥