Private Cellar, supplier to the Spectator Wine Club and partner in many of our jaunts and jollities – not least the notorious Clay, Claret and Cognac Cruise (CCCC) – turns 20 this year and corks are popping.
Director Laura Taylor works so closely with us (she’s head teacher at our masterclasses, quality control at our BYOB lunches and senior corkscrew specialist on the CCCC), it surprises many to find she doesn’t have an office at Spectator Towers.
No, her day job is at Private Cellar, the company she co-founded with fellow Corney & Barrow alumni Andrew Gordon and Nicola Arcedeckne-Butler MW, and I can think of no better way of celebrating their anniversary than by picking my top drinkers’ dozen from their list.
The Henri Chauvet Brut Blanc de Noirs NV (1) is one of the finest champagnes I’ve enjoyed. The tiny winery in Rilly-la-Montagne run by Damien and Mathilde Chauvet is probably the best-loved stop on the Spectator Wine Club Champagne tour, and on our last visit I had a rush of blood to the head and bought a jeroboam. Mrs Ray was furious… until I opened it on her birthday. It’s an exceptional, artisanal fizz that seduces whoever drinks it. £27.95 down from £29.95.
Forget the wine bar dross called Soave and take a sip of the 2023 Antonio Fattori Soave ‘Gregoris’ (2). You’ll love it. Signore Fattori has conjured up a gem – bone dry with a refreshing acidity and hints of almonds – that makes a lively, uncomplicated aperitif. £11.45 down from £11.95.
The 2023 Sauvion Les Rafelières Sauvignon Blanc (3) has been on PC’s list since the start and as fast as they reorder it, it sells out.
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