In September 2024, I attended the Hatch Mansfield Autumn Portfolio Tasting, an event in London showcasing an impressive array of wines from Hatch Mansfield’s portfolio. This agency focuses on wines crafted by independent, family-owned winemakers. Their portfolio includes well-known names such as Taittinger, C.V.N.E, Villa Maria and Errazuriz. Their wines can be found at many independent retailers, with some available in supermarkets.
The event featured 285 wines in total, making it a bit of a challenge. With so many excellent wines, it was difficult to single out favourites. I didn’t attend with any specific aim in mind, but I found myself drawn to wines that were rich in flavour. Most of the wines I have picked here are non-typical in that they offered a more intense and agreeable taste than you might expect. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore bold, flavourful wines that stood out in their own unique ways:
Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuissé 2022 is a 13% ABV Chardonnay from the Burgundy region, made by a winery with deep roots, having been founded in 1840. This wine offers an intense and inviting aroma, featuring notes of citrus, exotic fruits, vanilla and honey. On the palate, it is rich and bold, delivering flavours of acacia, apple, honey and a subtle hint of spice. With an RRP of £47.59, this is a beautifully complex wine that showcases elegance and depth.
Esk Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023, with an ABV of 12.5%, is a rich and full-bodied wine that has garnered significant recognition, including a Decanter Silver Award and a 4.1 rating on Vivino. It starts with fresh and vibrant aromas of freshly cut grass and citrus, complemented by tropical fruit notes and subtle herbal undertones. Its intensity is enhanced by aging on lees, giving it added depth and complexity. Offering excellent value for its quality, this Sauvignon Blanc is priced at an RRP of £14.92.
Esk Valley Artisanal Albariño 2022, with an ABV of 13%, is part of Esk Valley’s Artisanal Collection. This wine is made from a blend of two Albariño clones sourced from both Spain and Portugal, giving it a unique character. Like other Esk Valley wines, it benefits from lees aging, which adds texture and intensity. This Albariño offers bold aromas of lime and peach. With an RRP of £17.34, it delivers a full, vibrant expression of Albariño.
Esk Valley Seabed Chardonnay 2020, with an ABV of 14%, is yet another impressive offering from Esk Valley, showcasing the intensity this winery is known for. Aged for 13 months in French oak, this Chardonnay takes its name from the unique terroir, as the grapes are grown on land that was once a seabed, enriched with saline marine deposits. This imparts a distinctive character to the wine, which has earned a solid 4.0 rating on Vivino. The wine offers vibrant flavours of white peach and grapefruit, complemented by a creamy texture. The subtle oak influence and lees aging add layers of complexity, while the long, mineral finish rounds it out beautifully. With an RRP of £23.69, this Chardonnay delivers a rich and intense experience with a distinctive marine influence.
Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenere 2020, with an ABV of 14%, is a striking expression of this varietal. The grapes are grown in volcanic alluvial soil in a late-ripening area, which contributes to the wine’s intense flavours. With a 4.0 rating on Vivino, it is highly regarded. It has a complex aroma of black cherry, black olives and roasted red pepper. On the palate, the wine delivers rich black fruit flavours accompanied by notes of tobacco, cloves and a touch of bitter chocolate. Smooth and well-balanced, this Carmenere offers depth and complexity, making it a standout at an RRP of £23.52.
Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2023, with an ABV of 13.5%, offers a unique take on the Sauvignon Blanc style, distinguishing itself from the more typical French or New Zealand expressions. This wine presents intense aromas of grapefruit and lemon peel, with an added depth and texture from lees aging, making it stand out with its distinctive character. It’s an excellent quality wine for its price, offering intensity and complexity at an RRP of £16.62. Perfect for those looking to explore a different side of Sauvignon Blanc.
Carmenere Petreo 2021, with an ABV of 12.5%, is a highly acclaimed wine, boasting numerous awards and a strong 4.0 rating on Vivino. Sourced from the highest and coolest area of the estate, this elevation enhances the intensity and aromatic profile of the wine. Before even tasting, its vibrant aromas of sour cherry, blueberries, and a distinctive ‘wood’ rather than specifically oak scent signalled it was going to be great. On the palate, it offers a smoky, slightly spicy, and rounded taste with impressive depth mid-palate and a long, satisfying finish. At an RRP of £17.70, it represents exceptional value for such a complex and flavourful wine.
Leftfield Sauvignon Blanc 2023, with an ABV of 12.5%, comes from Marlborough and has earned a high 4.0 rating on Vivino. This vibrant wine features enticing aromas of passionfruit and lemongrass. On the palate, it delivers refreshing tropical fruit flavours, offering a lively and enjoyable drinking experience. With an RRP of £15.69, this wine is excellent value for the quality.
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, with an ABV of 15%, is a standout South African wine from the renowned Stellenbosch region. It has achieved a high 4.2 rating on Vivino, reflecting its exceptional quality. The wine offers excellent aromatic oak on the nose, followed by an intense blackcurrant flavour on the palate, complemented by a long, satisfying finish. Balanced tannins add to its structure, while notes of dark chocolate, vanilla and spices provide added layers of complexity. With an RRP of £36.92, this is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers both intensity and elegance.
Project Z Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, with an ABV of 13.5%, is an unconventional take on the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, distinguished by the absence of oak barrel ageing. This results in a pure, fruit-driven wine that highlights its natural aromatic qualities. You get enticing aromas of blackcurrant, violets and green tobacco leaf, which set it apart from more traditional styles. This wine is very different from typical Cabernet, an exceptional and unique experience that challenges expectations in the best way possible. Priced at £46.15, it’s a special wine that perhaps showcases the true essence of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The tasting featured a vast selection of high-quality wines, but here I have focused on those that piqued my interest for their bold and intense flavours. These wines stood out for their distinctive character, offering rich flavour profiles that made them exceptional in their own right. Each brought something unique to the table, making them memorable and well worth exploring.
