In February 2025, I was invited to the Wanderlust Annual Trade Portfolio Tasting in London. The event showcased around 130 wines, with a particular spotlight on 20 of their passionate and independent producers who were present.
Wanderlust imports sustainable wines into the UK, working exclusively with family-owned or independent producers. They focus on organic and sustainable wines, sourced from smaller family estates, distributing them to UK restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues. They also sell directly to consumers via their website and have been awarded Best Online Retailer of the Year by Decanter Magazine.
Among the many great wines, these were the ones that most caught my attention. Prices listed are the website retail prices.
Domaine Patrick Baudouin ‘Les Gats’ Anjou Blanc 2015 (Chenin Blanc, 13% ABV) – This wine had great aromas of white flowers, white fruit, and citrus, with distinctive apricot and minerality on the taste. Despite its age, it was still very drinkable. It is only produced in the best years and the 2017 vintage will be replacing it soon. Price: £45.00.
Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling Magnum 2020 (Finger Lakes, New York, USA, 12% ABV) – Intensely aromatic with notes of lemon, pear, peach, lime and pineapple. It had a great mouthfeel and mineral vibrancy, seeming sweeter than it actually was due to the fruit concentration. Price: £68.00 (1.5L magnum).
Remhoogte Honeybunch Chenin 2022 (Stellenbosch, South Africa, 13.5% ABV) – Partly oaked with a nose of floral honeysuckle. On tasting, honeydew melon, apricots and green peppers came through, with a full mouthfeel and good length. Price: £26.00.
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione “San Lorenzo” 2020 (Sangiovese, Merlot, Malvasia Nera) – Aromas of red berries enriched with slight herbal notes. It had a great balance of fruit and tannins, offering a wonderful mouthfeel. I also tried the 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castello di Ama” (£48), a wine from their ‘library’, also made from Sangiovese and Merlot, which had lovely deep liquorice notes. Price: £52.00.
Quinta da Carolina Cortex NV (Douro Valley, Portugal, 13% ABV) – A unique blend from multiple past years, using the bottom of barrels from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020. It had a mix of primary fruit along with a deeper nuanced character, creating an interesting layered taste. Price: POA.
Mark Haisma Pernand-Vergelesses ‘Les Pins’ 2023 (Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV) – Made by Mark Haisma, an Australian winemaker who previously worked at the legendary Yarra Yering in Australia. This village wine was very aromatic with red fruit notes, delicate and fresh. Price: £35.00.
Clendenen Family Vineyards Rancho Pinot Noir 2012 (Santa Barbara, Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV) – Dark in colour with lovely cranberry, mushroom and thyme on the umami-packed nose. Aged in the best new French oak barrels for 24 months, it had an oaky aroma with red fruit and a meaty, smoky flavour. One of my favourites from the tasting. Price: £69.00.
Holus Bolus Franc de Pied Syrah 2019 (Santa Barbara, Syrah, 13.5% ABV) – Made from low-yielding, un-grafted Syrah vines. Aromas of pink peppercorn, black olive and pepper. The taste offered black fruit, raspberry, wild herbs and rosemary, again with a very smoky character, great mouthfeel and a long finish. Another favourite from the tasting. Price: £42.00.
James Rahn Red Meunier 2019 (Oregon, USA, Pinot Meunier, 12.6% ABV) – From sommelier-turned-winemaker James Rahn, this wine had vibrant aromas of cherry, raspberry and cranberry. Very fruity and aromatic, with red berries, earthy notes, and baking spice on the taste. Price: £38.00.
Grand Francais Cabernet Franc ‘Amphore’ 2022 (Bordeaux, France, Cabernet Franc, 12.5% ABV) – Aged in amphora and bottled without sulphur to preserve its purity. This was Wanderlust’s first Bordeaux wine. Deep purple in colour, with aromas of cherry and blackberry. The taste featured cherry, blueberr, and spices, with great balance, making it an accessible, ready-to-drink Bordeaux. Price: £21.50.
The tasting showcased an interesting selection of wines from producers who, in many cases, are willing to step outside the norm, let’s say somewhat more artisan and experiment to create better wines. I was particularly taken by the wines from California, which stood out as some of the most exciting of the event.
Wanderlust has no minimum order value and offers free delivery for orders over £100. They also provide next-day delivery from Monday to Friday for orders made before 11am. Additionally, they offer a wine subscription service.
