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Confidential cousin of Sancerre!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:48:49 +0000

Dear customer,

Do you know about the confidential cousin of Sancerre, Reuilly!

The Reuilly Jean-Michel Sorbe's 2010 is a beautiful expression of sauvignon, light, dry and citrucy!

I suggest you to try that wine with a "Crotin de Chavignol" ! It's a goat cheese from a little village called "Chavignol" in the Sancerre's area.

So...

You can have a tickets for the Loire valley for only £11.45 until Tuesday 3rd April ! ( The Reuilly Jean-Michel Sorbe is usually at £14.45).

You don't need a return, well just make sure you come back in the shop soon, that's all !!

The Hampstead team

New BlogArticle

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:04:01 +0000

ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT AT NICOLAS BELSIZE PARK

Your Nicolas Belsize Park branch has been the stage of another great evening on the Friday 24th of February 2012.

In fact, a private "Tour de France" tasting has been held at your local branch. We've explored a range of different types of wines coming from all around France followed by an exceptional whisky experience. An amazing selection of 3 white wines, 3 red wines and 3 single malt whiskies.

The variety of wines ranged from Chateau de Meursault 2008, a mineral white wine with a long buttery finish, to Chateau Mont Redon 2007, a Chateauneuf du Pape full bodied red wines with plenty of firm tannins.

Julien and Didier are all the time available to tailor a unique experience for you, so don't hesitate to come to visit us and discuss about what can be a great night out for you and your friends.

We organize private tastings on a monthly basis and welcome all queries.

Julien and Didier

Who is Charles??

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:16:56 +0000

Happy St Valentine's to all our St. John's Wood customer from Jonathan and the newly arrived Charles !

Who is Chrales?

Charles is from the Loire Valley, and he used to be a cellar master in his family estate in the Muscadet region (near Nantes). The estate is classified as an historical monument from the Italian period of the late 18th century in south Nantes (Bonaparte was back from his Italy 's campaign). It's also the first place where the word "Muscadet" has been found on a document from 1635. You can discover the propertie during your journey in France by renting one of their first class B and B rooms!

Few years ago, Charles became a wine merchant on the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean close to Mauritius. It's a wonderful volcano island known for its Unesco Wild Park, its ethnic mixity, extreme trekking, Wales watching, surfing (be careful with sharks!), paragliding and so much more. French people usually call it the Intense Island, and it was even own for a short time by the Great Britain Crown!

And finally Charles settled in London because he liked the atmosphere going on here and also the cool climate (that he can certainly enjoy at the moment!).

As usual, The St John Wood team will be happy to find out the perfect wine for you!

We hope to see you very soon!

Jonathan & Charles.

Thinking ahead to Valentines Day?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:15:02 +0000

If those January blues are getting you down, why not pop in to see us for a friendly chat to lift your spirits! We've got a great range of January Sales, with 3 for 2 offers, and buy one get one half price deals.

For a fantastic and warming winter red, look no further than the Cave de Tain Syrah, was £7.99 now £7.15. Deep and rich, with lovely sweet vanilla and woody tones, it will put a spring back in your step! Great price too.

If you're looking for something a bit lighter after overindulging at Christmas, we've discounted our range of authentic French ciders from Brittany, in 75cl bottles. There's three to chose from:

Dry : La Bolee des Korrigans - (4.5% abv) £3.79 down to £3.39

Cidre de recoltant - (4.5%abv) £3.39 down to £2.99

Sweet : Cidre de recoltant (2%abv) £3.39 down to £2.99

They're all wonderful served chilled, or why not try our favourite mulled cider recipe?

Makes 1.5L. In a large saucepan, gently heat two bottles of your favourite French cider along with a selection of fruit and spices. We use a cinnamon stick, one lemon (whole, studded with cloves) and sliced apples. You can add a spoon of brown sugar to sweeten, or add a splash of calvados before serving for an extra kick. Take care not to boil - just gently warm through.

Last but by no means least, we've got some brand new champagnes to try if you're celebrating a special occasion.

Bargain of the month would have to be our new house champagne, Damien Hugot, a stunning example of blanc de blancs for just £19.99. It's one of the best champagnes we've tasted around the £20 mark.

Thinking ahead to Valentines Day? We've got the very delicious Malard Seduction champagne, just £29.99, with free gift wrap in a pink box with gold ribbon!

Any questions or queries, pop into the shop to see us, or give us a call on 0208 940 0881.

Cheers,

Katy and Amit

Happy New Year from Blackheath

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:06:50 +0000

HAPPY New Year and all our best wishes for 2012

Thank you very much to all our customers for their loyalty, we are so pleased to see you coming back and appreciate our quality wines and advices.

I will take also this opportunity to announce the winner of our Charlie's Angels game: Miss A. Schlachter for the nickname: "the happy Nicoes". Thanks to all the other participant.

“The Happy Nicoes" ( Nicolas Blackheath team)

Happy New Year

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:40:05 +0000

January is not only a time to detox, but also a time to restock your cellar/wine rack, and we've got our toptastic January sale on to make sure you're getting even more of a bargain than usual.

It's also Burns Night on 25th so pop in for a bottle of Scotch to celebrate. We've got the best selection on the high street; anything from Auchentoshan and Old Pulteney to go with your haggis and Edradour's claret cask and a jolly peaty Lagavulin to savour afterwards.

All the best for 2012.

Matt and Rupert

Charlie's Angels game

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:23:34 +0000

One upon a time, 3 charming (pretty, beautiful, wonderful....!) Ladies were selling great wines in the Nicolas Store in Blackheath.
Anne L, Annabelle and Choi are looking together for:

Charlie
Who is Charlie?

Where is he?

Charlie is a nickname that we are looking for the team. You have until the 31st of December (deadline) to help us to find the perfect nickname for our Blackheath team.

The reward is a bottle of champagne for whoever finds an original nickname. Let's go and let's do it!!!

Thank you Charliiieeee!!!

Blackheath team

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team of Nicolas Kew

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:11:12 +0000

Thierry and Marie wish you a great Christmas and a very happy New Year 2012. We will delighted to see you before the year ends in our festive Wine Shop.

We are displaying a lot of git ideas in the shop to help you at this special time of the year. Here are some examples:

- In the spirit department we have Old Pulteney 12 years single malt gift set with 2 crystal glasses priced only at £31.99, Belvedere Vodka gift set at £39.99, Talisker 10 years single malt (20cl) with whisky flask and glass for £27 and Godet Cognac in a classy wooden box at £46.50.

- In the Champagne section, we have some top class Champagne on offer like Bollinger Grande Annee 2002, £10 off at now £89 and Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque coffret down from £129 to £116. For more moderate budgets we offer free gift wrapping so you could choose Damien Hugot Blanc de Blanc at only £19.99, Heidsieck Blue Monopole down to £26.99 from £29.99, Perrier Jouet at only £32.35 or as well Laurent Perrier Brut down to £32.25. For Pink Champagne among others we have Jacquart Rose down to £34.15 and a great price for Laurent Perrier Rose at £50.90. You get an extra 5% case discount when you buy 12!!!

- For wine lovers, we suggest the Bordeaux gift set at £29 including Chateau d 'Arcins Haut-Medoc 2008 and Chateau Pradeau Mazeau 2009, the Magnum of La Coutale Cahors 2009 in a at only £26 or the Burgundy git set at £26 with Bourgogne Blanc AOC 2009 & Bourgogne Rouge Cotes d'Auxerre Vieille Vignes 2010. Those wine gift set are in a classic wooden box and already gift wrapped for you.

Other gift ideas include the Gard'Vin(wine keeper) at £20, elegant red and wine glasses at £4.90 and wine decanters for all budgets. For the christmas meal we have of course some foie gras with one at £12.99 for a 130gr size and for the ones with big appetite one of 180g at £16.99. To go with the foie gras ....or the Christmas pudding you could some very nice sweet white wines like the Monbazillac 2010 at £10.99, the Jurancon Galet d Or 2010 at £13.50 or my favourite the Chateau de Cerons 2005 at £23.50.

Let’s not forget two or three nice ports to go with the Stilton, a definitive Christmas classic. You could choose King's Port Tawny at £11.90 or Grahams Crusted Port at £24.50. For vintage Ports we recommend Rozes 1997 vintage Port at £28.50 and Croft Quinta de Roeda 1997 at £31.

Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee

Thierry & Marie

Nicolas Kew - 5 Station Parade - Kew - TW9 3PS Tel: 0208 940 0738

Christmas Greetings from Richmond Hill

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:24:09 +0000

That time of year is upon us once again! But there's no need to be stressed, as here at Richmond Hill we can provide you with everything you'll need to get through the festive season.

We've got gifts galore (already beautifully gift wrapped to save you the bother)... divine whites to go with the turkey... beautiful clarets to enjoy by a roaring fire... dessert wine and Port to go with the Christmas pudding.... and plenty of festive fizz to see in the New Year with... But there's more! Free gift wrapping on all purchases... free local delivery... free glass hire... a great range of cigars... party planning advice... ice... and our intermagnum service means you can send a single bottle or a case of wine to a loved one the very next day, anywhere in the UK!

Pop into see us at the shop for more information, or you can call us on 0208 940 0881.

Here's a few of our favourite festive wines -

Chateau Moncets, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux 2004, £16.99

This is one of our favourite Christmas clarets. Warm and full bodied, beautifully balanced, with a heady aroma, silky texture, and long delicious finish. This wine is such a crowd pleaser, and a pleasure to serve with the main meal on the big day.

Les Ormeaux, Joseph Mellot, Sancerre, Loire Valley 2010, £15.50

This is the perfect white wine to stock up on for the holidays. A fantastically made Sancerre, dry and crisp with bags of gooseberry and lime aromas. Everyone will love this white wine, especially NZ sauvignon blanc fans. A Christmas classic.

Henriot Brut Souverain, Champagne NV, was £33 now £28

I can't highly enough recommend this very fine Champagne. It's made by a smaller producer, and is only available in a handful of retailers in the UK. Try this wine and it's difficult to believe just how great value it is! Dry, creamy, soft and wonderful. The ideal fizz to celebrate with.

Chateau Bastor Lamontagne, Sauternes, Bordeaux 2005, was £33 now £29.70

For me, Christmas is the perfect time to splash out on a really good bottle of dessert wine. This classic Sauternes is from the blockbuster 2005 vintage, and is a rather superior wine. It's full, rich and sweetly sticky, with intense and complex aromas of honey, marmalade and dried fruit - it smells a bit like Christmas pudding! Serve chilled after dinner.

Merry Christmas from the team @ Richmond Hill,

Katy & Amit

I think I met James Bond!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:27 +0000

For this exercise, you understand, that I cannot reveal my name or the precise location of where it happens; only joking!

At the beginning of October, I was invited at this members only club (no it is not what you think) as we were presenting the new wine list to some of their members.

But before we start, let me tell you about this club. Created just after WW2, the Special Forces club was founded by men and women who had served in the Special Operation Executive (SOE).

The prime founding aim of the club was to preserve and develop the bonds of comradeship and mutual trust which had been formed in the war.

The SFC was thus from the start international and inspirational as well as social. It was also a rarity among London Clubs in 1945 in that it admitted women members on equal terms with men, as they had indeed proved to be in the field

You have to be in the Special Forces or in the intelligence service to belong to this prestigious club!

Being very interested in History, especially about WW2, I was very proud that Nicolas Wine was going to supply wine to this club. The club is full of pictures of men from the French resistance. The link between this club and France goes back straight to the dark day of WW2.

So here I was, in Central London, in a place full of history, in a room surrounded by the original James bondsss......

The evening was a great success; we had selected a dozen of wines to match a dozen fantastic chesses from a fantastic cheese monger on Beauchamp Place or shall I say Beecham Place1.

I spent all evening talking about wine and cheese to people who are not only interested in history but who are actually making it!

The evening was near to a close when I was introduced to someone very special. It is not every day that you come to have a conversation (or try to have one for my part) with a person who is the recipient of a Georges Cross for bravery!

Or, as I call them, HERO!

Well I have could have asked how he felt, what is thought, I could have asked a million interesting questions; but no not me!

Being completely in awe of this person, I had a Wallace&Gromit moment and asked: DO YOU LIKE CHEESE?

Philippe

Autumn Colours!

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:25:50 +0100

Autumn is surely one of the loveliest times of year, and this year seems exceptionally so. Beautiful sunny days and a slight chill in the evening that makes a warm, cosy home even more welcoming. The riverside here in Twickenham is now even more gorgeous with the trees on both sides of the river stunning in their bright autumn foliage. It is almost a natural firework display without the loud noises!

Despite the clocks changing this weekend it is still easy to forget that winter and Christmas is coming, but we are already planning ahead and putting together gift ideas for our customers. This weekend, on Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th, to launch our new Best Sellers Promotion we will be opening the just released 2011 vintage of our Gascogne Colombelle- always a popular light, refreshing dry white- to say goodbye to summer time, and also to welcome the darker evenings one of our favourite reds the wonderful Rhone from Chateau du Bois de La Garde 2008- a wine for chilly autumn evenings at home.

Try and find the time to call in and try the wines, and to find out more about our annual Wine and Spirits Fair on the 11th and 12th November in Victoria. We can tell you all about it and have a copy of last year's Tasting/Guidebook so you can get an idea of how much there is to taste and to learn about the wines, champagnes and spirits direct from the producers.

Hope to see you soon

David and Awa

Food, Arts and Craft Market taking place just next to your local Nicolas branch for the first time in Kew this Sunday the 2nd of October.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:26:40 +0100

Great addition to the Kew attractions like the Botanical Gardens and..... of course the lovely local Nicolas branch, this market will be located in Station Parade just next to our shop. To join the party we will have a Wine and Whisky tasting to complement the other marvels you will find at the Market. We will open a couple or more of the Bordeaux wines part of our great Promo finishing just two days later so it will be a great opportunity for you to get some fine wines at very affordable prices.

We will open Aberlour 12 years old whisky, a fine example of Highland malts and of our extensive range of Scottish Malts.

Thierry will be more than happy to talk to you about the Nicolas Wine Fair taking place the 11th and 12th of November 2011 in Lindley Hall, Victoria. He went there last year and was very impressed by the wines on tasting and how friendly and informative were the winemakers present those two days. You can buy the tickets already at our branch, Nicolas, 5 Station Parade, Kew ( tel:0208 940 0738).

A bientot,

Thierry

ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT OF THE BORDEAUX PROMOTION - ends October 4th!

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:22:37 +0100

It's easy to spot the arrival of autumn from atop the hill here in Richmond. Our stunning vista shows the changing landscape across the capital, when the leaves change from verdant green to russet orange.

As the evenings draw in, and the nights cooler, now's the perfect time to stock up with some of our excellent BORDEAUX SELECTION currently on offer at Nicolas. We've got more than 35 wines currently discounted, with over 20% off some lines (plus, as always, a further 5% case discount).

There's a huge range to chose from, including a few of our favourites:

Fantastic REDS :

If you're on a budget, plump for the lovely Chateau Haut Rian rouge from Bordeaux. A great nose with classic red and black fruit aromas, round tannins and a warm finish. Just £7.25 now, was £9.25.

For an ideal wine to go with dinner - meats, pizza or pasta - try the sumptuous Chateau Moncets from Lalande de Pomerol, 2004. It has a heavenly nose of blackberry, leather and liquorice, and a very silky mouthfeel. An excellent price at £14.99 down from £16.99.

When you want to splash out, I can't highly enough recommend a posh red Bordeaux, like the very delicious Ch. Mangot St-Emilion Grand Cru 2002. A very well made, top quality wine ideal for a special occasion or if there's someone you want to impress. Was £33.50, now £27.50.

Bargain WHITES :

Chateau Roquetaillade, Graves, 2009 is a magical blend of Semillon and Sauvignon blanc. It's crisp, dry and refreshing, goes fantastically with food and makes a nice change if you are used to drinking straight Sauvignon from the Loire. Save money too - its £8.99 down from £11.50.

CHAMPAGNE DEALS :

Laurent Perrier and Taittinger Champagnes - both £6 off!

Plus, there are plenty more great deals in store. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers,

Katy and Amit

At the Nicolas Wine Fair: YOU gets the Gift !!!!

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:34:58 +0100

Hello to everyone!!

A quick reminder to anyone who is keen to appreciate good wines, good spirits, excellent environment at a very good price. Here is a big opportunity to increase your knowledge about wines , meet the winemakers and discover new wines and flavours.

Nicolas UK is proud to present our annual Spirits and Wine Fair.

Tickets can be purchased at any Nicolas stores around London.

When?

11th and 12th Of November 2011

Afternoon and Evenings Sessions available for your convenience

Where?

The Royal Horticultural Halls - Lindley Hall

Elverton Street - Victoria - London - SW 1P 2PE

How much ?

£15 only to taste a huge variety of wine and spirits available in our range. From Small producers to Bigger Estate of Champagnes and Malt Whiskies.

Book your Tickets Today to avoid late rush.

And There's More :

When you bring your ticket to the fair , you will be given a FREE £ 15 Nicolas Gift Card . that can be redeemable at any Nicolas Stores.

So , please get in touch with your Baker Street Branch via the phone

0207 935 4185 Rupert or Rodrigo

Please don't call at all once !!

Looking forward to hearing from you

The Baker Street Team

Fine wines exclusive to Nicolas Fulham Road

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:30:15 +0100

Moulin La Lagune 2007 – This is a wine with tremendous depth. Second wine from Château Lagune (3^rdgrowth from Bordeaux) the Moulin La Lagune is perfumed and elegant. Made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, it has notes of blackcurrant, plum and spicy vanilla notes. On the palate it has good depth with a spicy, savoury fruit character well integrated with the oak and ripe, supple tannins.

Château Laroze 2006 – An opaque ruby hue, this wine has a superb intensity. It boasts plum aromas with oaky notes intermingled with crème de cassis. Consisting of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is medium to full bodied, fruity and well balanced on the palate with rich tannins.

Chateau Camensac 2001 – From the edge of the Saint Julien appellation, this wine benefits greatly from the quality of the terroir. A 45% Merlot and 55% Cabernet Sauvignon blend, Robert Parker described this wine as “a solidly made 2001 offering pleasant herb and currant-tinged flavours, a hint of wet stones/damp earth, and a medium-bodied finish.”

Château Olivier 2002 – A dense and creamy fruit character with sweet toasted oak aromas. Made from 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc it possesses rich black fruit on the palate and medium body. This wine has great balance with supple tannins that melt in the mouth.

Chateau Moulinet 2006 – Pomerol experienced a very successful 2006 producing wines of great minerality. The Moulinet has an intense perfumed aroma full of black cherry and a touch of toasted oak. This wine has ample depth of fruit and firm tannins suggesting that this wine can be enjoyed now or later. You will be seduced by its rich and silky structure.

Château Laniote 2007 – This grand cru classé from Saint-Emilion has an intense, deep colour with a purple tinge. A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine possesses blackcurrant and oak aromas. On the palate there are hints of cherry stones, spicy oak and black fruit. The finish is long and round with a firm tannic structure.

Château Cantemerle 2006 – A quintessentially elegant Haut-Médoc from just south of Margaux. This wine possesses soft velvety tannins with ripe blackcurrant aromas and hints of tar, menthol and cocoa. On the palette there are touches of blackcurrant, sweet cherry and liquorice. Robert Parker describes the Château Cantemerle as being a wine built on “finesse and elegance”.

Larose de Gruaud 2004 – This Second wine from Gruaud Larose (2^nd growth from Bordeaux) has a deep ruby and purple colour with a complex bouquet. Initially there are aromas of cedar and tobacco followed by red fruits, roasted coffee, spices and prunes. This wine is rich and round with plenty of body and density. It is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Chateau Le Fer 2006 – This 100% Merlot wine is deep purple in colour with red tinges. On the nose there are notes of blackberry and leather with hints of forest floor. Dominant notes on the palate are of raspberry, blackberry and cedar. The tannins are soft but present giving this wine a rich and fleshy structure.

Château Pibran 2006 – The 2006 vintage introduces a new blend for the Château. The Merlot increases to 70% with now just 30% Cabernet Sauvignon as supposed to the 50-50 blend of previous vintages. Sweet fruit on the nose with hints of oak. Fresh and light on the palate with firm ripe tannins and good acidity.

Château La Providence – Recently acquired by the Moueix family (Chateau Pétrus) this wine scored 87-90 out of 100 from Robert Parker. It boasts a ruby hue; rich red fruit on the nose with a hint of oak and touch of liquorice. Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon it has a rich black and red fruit flavour with hints of oak with soft and full tannins.

Croix de Beaucaillou 2006 – This second wine from Ducru-Beaucaillou has a deep crimson colour. The 2006 vintage exhibits herbaceous notes with hints of sweet cherry and cedar. Made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot it has a creamy fruity style on the palate. This wine is fresh and well balanced with ripe tannins and notes of plum and raspberry on the finish.

Château Chasse-Spleen 2000 – Made from 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, this is a widely underrated wine that should have grand cru classé status. The 2000 vintage has really seductive fruit and some oak on the nose. This wine has a meaty character and when it opens it reveals dark peppery fruit notes with silky overtones. A rich and expressive vintage with silky, supple tannins.

Château d’Armailhac 2005 – Bought by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1933 this wine has a wonderful nose with hints of smoky redcurrant and cranberry. Made from 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot; the firm meaty presence of the fruit is wrapped around a core of delightfully ripe tannins.

Château Brane-Cantenac 2004 – The 2004 is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This has a lovely open nose, and a good depth, with plenty of deep, ripe, dark fruits. Cool composition on the palate, with cherries and dark fruit with a good depth of flavour too. Underneath it all a gentle layer of ripe tannins.

Château Clerc-Milon 2004 – An underrated fifth growth from Bordeaux it is made up from 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and an impressive 1% Carmenere, a rare sight in Bordeaux this days. A dense hue with dark fruit and warm spicy notes on the nose, this wine has great weight on the palate with ripe and well-balanced tannins.

Alter Ego 2007 – This fabulous second wine from Château Palmer, made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a fresh floral nose with a meaty, mineral structure. This wine has a juicy character on the palate with black berry fruits and hints of violet on the finish. This is an elegant second wine with great structure, balance and backbone.

Château Giscours 2005 – 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc make up the blend. It has a very deep colour with a deep purple rim and a dense and concentrated nose. There are rich aromas of black fruits, white flower petals and tar. It boasts ripe, full, firm tannins, with plenty of fat and fresh acidity. The palate is also packed with flavour, whilst remaining quintessentially Margaux.

Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2005 – Situated next to Pontet-Canet and made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot 28% this wine has an expressive nose with notes of raspberry, tar and a floral edge. The wine has supple tannins with soft and sweet creamy raspberry notes on the palette with hints of violet and liquorice on the finish.

Château Calon-Ségur 2005 – A popular 3^rd growth from Bordeaux and made from 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 8% Merlot. It possesses a deep hue and a heavily perfumed nose with aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. On the palate there are hints of dark, stewed fruits and hints of with some rich and full tannins.

Château Rauzan-Ségla 2001 – A great second growth of Bordeaux. The nose is brimming with stony, mineral and aromatic fruit. There is a core of ripe tannins that are supported by black fruits, a faint floral edge and hints of liquorice. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 2% of both Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot; the 2001 is an underrated vintage that is currently showing its true potential.

Château Pichon-Lalande 2004 – A dark purple colour with a vibrant ruby rim, this wine has a very rich bouquet with hints of black fruit and damson with a suggestion of creamy oak. It is silky and composed with notes of spiced oak, raspberry and blackberry flavours. Vigorous with a good tannic backbone, the vines consist of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot.

Ducru-Beaucaillou 2007 – The 2007 vintage contains far more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, making up around 90% of the blend. It has an enticing nose of black cherries, eucalyptus and mocha. It is very fresh and clean on the palate with notes of spiced blackberries, rich raspberries and cedar. The tannins are firm but supple and melt in the mouth.

Château Lynch-Bages 2004 – Recently promoted to a second growth of Bordeaux. A Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wine with generally 75-80% making up the blend. The 2004 has an appealing nose with classic blackcurrant notes mingling with exotic fruits and toasty oak. The palate reveals notes of forest fruits, good ripe tannins and a creamy, broad and mouth filling finish.

Château Pichon-Baron 2004 – Far denser than the Pichon-Lalande in 2004, the nose is full of spice and fruit, notably cherry and cranberry. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominance evokes hints of exotic fruit wrapped up in violet infused black fruits with a roasted nut finish on the palate. The tannins are well-structured and ripe with a long finish.

Weekly Weekend Wine Tastings at Fulham Road

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:23:07 +0100

Weekly Weekend Wine Tastings at Fulham Road

From this week onwards there will be a weekly wine tasting at your Nicolas Fulham Road store. This is a great opportunity to get to know our range and try before you buy. Pop in and try something new every week.

The tastings will take place every Friday from 5pm and every Saturday from 1pm. This Friday, the 23^rd September, to inaugurate this event we will have two wines from our Bordeaux promotional range for you to try. We will also be opening bottles exclusive to Nicolas Fulham Road.

Don’t forget to pick up your Nicolas Wine Fair Ticket 2011 whilst you are in store. This is a fantastic event that will give you the chance to sample over 400 wines and spirits from small wineries to larger estates. You will get to meet with the wine producers and share their passion. There are a limited amount of tickets on sale so don’t hang around!

The Joys of September

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:12:24 +0100

I am sure you wonder why I am so happy this month. 3 simple reasons for that :The Rugby World Cup has started, the Champions league is about to kick off and....it's Bordeaux time at Nicolas!!

Obviously I m not here to talk to you about scrum halves, props, drop goals and tries or about who is going ( if anyone can?!?) to succeed to Barcelona this year but about the wonderful wines from Bordeaux we have on offer until the 4th of October.

Lot of choice for the reds so let s separate them following their main grape variety. As you might know the 3 big red grapes varieties of Bordeaux are Merlot and the two cabernets ( franc and sauvignon). Sometimes petit verdot& malbec can be added in small measures.

For the merlot lovers here some of my tips: the surprise of the month for me being the merlot 2009 from the Cotes de Duras, a wonderful red at only £7.49 that I recommend with food. Grab it before we run out of stock. To enjoy on its own or with a pizza try the fruit bomb that is Chateau La Couronne Montagne Saint-Emilion 2007, down to £9.90 (£2 off). Moving to premier league we have the Chateau Petit Bois La Garelle 2006, a Saint-Emilion Grand cru....at only £14.99 and at the same price the smooth Chateau Moncets Lalande de Pomerol 2004 with musky and liquorice aromas. Our Merlot champion of the month is the classy and elegant Pomerol 2004 Chateau Monregard La Croix at £24.99 with an amazing £5 off.

For Cabernet Sauvignon fans, you can go for Chateau LaTour Prignac Haut-Medoc 2007 at £14.99 (£4 off ) to or La Creme de la Creme, Chateau Charmant, Margaux 2004 down to £22.99.I have a big fondness for the classy and velvety wines of Margaux and this wine will not disappoint you.

However Bordeaux is well famous for his expertise to blend those grapes who each add their own qualities to the final wine made. For example the Chateau d'Arcins a treat at £12.99 made from 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and just 1% cabernet franc and Chateau Chevrol Bel Air 2007 Lalande de Pomerol at £16.15 a blend of 45% cabernet franc, 40% merlot and 15% cabernet sauvignon.

Red and sweet wines put Bordeaux at the top of the league but too often we forget that quality dry whites are made there as well. To prove my point: the classy Chateau Roquetaillade Le Bernet 2010, a crisp and fruity Graves blanc made from 50% semillon, 35% sauvignon blanc and 15% muscadelle down to £8.99. For every drinking we have Chateau Cabroles a bargain at £6.99 and the Sauvignon blanc made in the Cotes de Duras by Berticot at £7.99.

You can find all those wines at the Kew branch of Nicolas, 5 station parade 2mns away from the tube station. You call us on 02078 9400 738.

Looking forward to see you soon,

Thierry - Branch Manager - Nicolas Kew

About Bordeaux & Annabelle !

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:07:33 +0100

Now we are in Bordeaux offer with great deals on Pomerol, Margaux & Medoc wines.

I' m so pleased to introduce you to Annabelle, my new colleague, who did her first stage in a fine wine shop. Welcome to Blackheath Annabelle!!

** Hi everyone! I'm Annabelle, some of you might have met me by now as I've been working with Anne in Blackheath for a couple of weeks.

I recently returned to the UK after three years living in Paris, where I studied French at University. During my time there, I gained a love for French wine and food (who wouldn't?!), especially Bordeaux, after a nine month stage in a specialist Bordeaux shop in Saint-Germain, in Paris, France. On my days off I'm spending my time getting to know London a bit better as I'm originally from Yorkshire and this is my first time living in the Old Smoke.When I'm not exploring our capital, I enjoy a good book or a glass of red with friends, and will always be willing to chat to anyone who'll listen!

Anne and Annabelle

Team Blackheath

BORDEAUX FOR EVERYONE!!!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:44:45 +0100

Welcome to another blog from your favourite local wine merchant. Now, we have a lot to catch up on and a lot to tell you about, so let’s get cracking........

First off I’d like to welcome a new addition to our little store, a lovely young man by the name of Rupert (applause). He has been here a month and is fitting in well, so come in and say hello. We'd also like to offer an apology for the confusion the events in London at the start of the month caused us, not only the sprightly young (and violent) non-shoppers but the closure of roads due to the surrey London bike race. All over now and we are back to our brilliant best.

Starting 7th September we have our biggest and best promotion of the year BORDEAUX!! It's a celebration of all that is fine in the world of wine (ooh that rhymed) and with over 25 red and whites at all price levels, there really are deals you shouldn’t miss. We are also starting a new tasting programme with not only our regular Saturday tasting (between 2-6) but now on Tuesday evenings between 4pm-7pm! Now 2 great chances to have a sip and a chat!

NICOLAS WINE FAIR TICKETS ARE ON SALE AND INSTORE NOW. IN SHORT SUPPLY AND IN HIGH DEMAND!

Well that’s about it. If you have any questions for us about anything regarding wine and Nicolas calls us on 0207 370 3878 or on our store email Nicolas-OBR@hotmail.co.uk

All the best

Matt & Rupert

Greetings from Nicolas Muswell Hill!

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:56:03 +0100

This is the stores first blog so let us introduce ourselves a little. Ravi, Ana-Claire and Antonin (our burgundian wine guru!!) would like to welcome you to our extremely ambient and relaxed store in which we will take you on a 'Tour de France' and a journey of discovery!

We are currently well into our new promotion which is based on our Summer Classics in which there are a great array of roses on offer as well as some top classics from Sancerre and Chablis. Also a must is our petit Bordeaux which is a great wine for everyday drinking (but in moderation of course) which is reduced to £6.49!!!!

If you are looking for gifts then look no further! In store we have a great selection of gifts for your loved ones and friends. Or if you are feeling a bit adventurous then why not create your own and if needed the staff will be there to guide you!

But if that all seems a little daunting then why not just get one of our Gift Vouchers which can be used in all of our stores!

We have just created a new 'Staff Favourites' section which includes some fantastic wines at descent value! A must is the 'Blanquette de Limoux' with its creamy texture and nutty finish.. a great alternative to champagne!!!! Also new is our 'Wine of the week', 'seasonal favourites' and as its summer we have a 'rose of the month' which at the moment is a lovely crisp and fresh Provence by the name of 'Chateau Fonscolombe'. What more do you need from a wine shop!!! Maybe some private tastings in a rustic little wine cellar??? Well actually we will be doing that also!!!

Private wine tasting and appreciation evenings will start from the end of august till the end of November. Ask in store for details....

The beauty of Muswell Hill is that there are a number of great food spots including the Award-Winning 'Tofts' fish and chips takeaway which can be happily appreciated with a nice glass of chilled 'les Ormes de Cambras' Sauvignon Blanc at £5.99. Another culinary highlight of the area is the cheese shop which is understated by its name 'Cheeses'. An amazing selection from all over Europe which can only be combined with our French classics....ask our knowledgeable staff for the perfect match!

Don't forget (or maybe you didn’t know this in the first place!) we do an extra 5% discount on 12 or more wines and champagnes. This also includes the promotion! So there are possible savings of up to 25%!!!!!!!

Thank you and we hope to see you very soon in Nicolas Muswell Hill....