On the grapevine

Thorne and Daughters: As part of its usual run of special offers, Yorkshire Vintners will offer a 20 per cent discount on a mixed case from Thorne and Daughters on July 1. This is such an exceptional offer I expect it to sell out in one day. If you haven’t come across these wines before, they are made by one of South Africa’s top winemakers, John Seccombe, who is fond of slightly odd names. In this six-bottle case you will find Paper Kite Semillon, two bottles of Tin Soldier Semillon Gris, Man in the Moon Clairette Blanche and two bottles of Wandering Heart Cape Red Blend, all from the 2017 vintage. All these wines scored at least four stars in the Platter guide. The case would usually cost £153.25, but on July 1 it will be £125.95. Ring Yorkshire Vintners on 01765 601701.

Bordeaux 2019: It is later than usual this year but prices for Bordeaux’s 2019 En Primeur wines are now being released. Bon Coeur Fine Wine gets good allocations and prices are down this year, mainly because of the pandemic and new tariffs in the US, which have reduced demand. You need to pay upfront and you won’t get your wine for at least 18 months, then there is duty, VAT and delivery to pay. But it secures your future fine drinking wine at a good price and can even be a sound investment. At the top of the scale, Ausone is £1,298 in bond for three bottles, a drop of 28 per cent on 2018 prices; at the reasonable end, Ch. Gloria is £300 for 12 bottles in

bond. Go to www.bcfw.co.uk

Time for rosé: Firth and Co has a delivery of Guilhem Rosé from Mas de Daumas Gassac in the Languedoc. Made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, it has the pale colour, delicacy and texture that you might expect from a Provence rosé, although it comes from the Hérault. Priced at £8.34, it is perfect for a summer wedding. Ring 1609 770875.