THE REVIEW 2023 1
Liens Collection
YO U R S TO R I ES O F LI E N S
the festive agenda
FRAGRANCE
BEAUTY
BE
P-8
P-10
P
SCENTS & STYLE
SKINCARE
CO
EAUTY
STYLE
DRINKS
DRINKS
DRINKS
P-14
P-18
P-22
P-36
P-40 P-42
OSMETICS
THE WINTER WALK
THAT’S THE SPIRIT
FINAL FIZZ
WINING ON
GIFTS
STOCK UP
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t n cefrom afar S From the desks of the editors, here are the scents we recommend finding under your tree…
AQUILA ABSOLUTE www.electimuss.com
A scent for the nose of intrigue. Warming and bolstering, the top notes of cardamom and raspberry shine through in a unique and charming combination, giving way to a powerful floral heart of sweet Turkish Rose Absolute, set against herbaceous violet leaf and Egyptian geranium. Depth follows in the rich and woody base notes of leather accord, white oud, patchouli and labdanum. It’s an enduring unisex fragrance crafted solely from pure parfum and extrait, telling a story from dawn to dusk, closing in a sweet and mellow leather.
DREAMS ajabotanicals.com
To scent one’s home is of equal importance as one’s wrist. Like stepping into the garden barefoot after rain, Dreams brings a juicy and abundant herbaceous scent, opening on the cleansing freshness of fir needle and the sweet woodiness of fragonia, moving through peppery angelica and onto the grounding musk of spikenard at its core. Aja Botanicals seamlessly melds homewares and home scents, offering each story in both black and white natural wax, encased in a hand-blown glass jar of corresponding tone, designed to be reused with their soon-to-launch refills as a permanent interior feature.
ALTHAÏR
parfums-de-marly.com It’s been a decade of movement for the unisex fragrance and the year of vanilla’s return, with Althaïr coming to redefine both. The opening of orange blossom and bergamot perfectly balances the journey ahead, offering florality and spice, which moves into elemi at its heart, grounding the scent with balsamic tones to hold space for a heritage bourbon vanilla. First introduced in France under the reign of Louis XV, its subtlety and openness are welcome above the commonality of its often overly sweet and cloying counterparts. The further layering of honey-like smokey tones closes with praline and guaiac wood, ambrox and musk for a beguiling and addictive scent.
REHAB
initioparfums.com From enveloping oneself with the perfect blend of harmonious scents for divine pleasure – the idea behind the Hedonist trilogy – comes Rehab. The lightest of the three scents in the collection, but holding no lesser importance, its restorative and uplifting aroma is brought by the soothing powers of lavender and citric bergamot. A base of musk and indulgent hedoine radiates through, with the warming embrace of sandalwood, patchouli and cedarwood at its heart. To all things hedonistic, let your fragrance be the gateway.
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e ar c n ski
The new luxury in skincare comes in two parts: hard-working, esthetician-approved formulas, and sumptuous textures to enrich your self-care experience. This luxury is that of joy, but joy with purpose.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE COLLECTION www.eighthdayskin.com
Developed by renowned reconstructive surgeon Dr Nakhla, his blend of growth factors, synthetic bioidentical peptides and amino acids features in every Eighth Day product. Luxurious textures meet transformative formulations, here showcased in five of their most celebrated skincare products forming a start-to-finish, all-skin-types routine designed to target a plethora of skin concerns. Optimising the skin’s microbiome, address the ten visible signs of ageing and stimulate cell renewal to reframe your relationship with your skin.
MULTI-MASKING SET www.tataharperskincare.com
The festive season is hard enough on our skin, let alone the winter months that surround it. Get tailored TLC from moment to moment from Tata Harper’s multi-mask set, which draws upon their encyclopaedic knowledge of their all-natural, predominantly organic ingredients to target any skin concern. Chapped and textured skin? Redness or dullness? There is a formulation for anything and everything in this buffet of skin-nourishing elements.
YOUTH ESSENTIA ULTIMATE SKINCARE www.harveynichols.com
Give the gift of this Beauty Editor’s most treasured and trusted skincare essentials in a collection to create a rounded routine. For me, Environ is a non-negotiable base of every skincare programme. Its cosmeceutical background provides results that last, with its renewing, perfecting, soothing and skin-fortifying formulations. Developed by pioneer plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandez, who was the first person to introduce vitamin A and antioxidants - the forefront ingredients of their ethos - into skincare formulations as early as the 1980s.
CONTOUR FACE LED DEVICE www.omniluxled.com
Working at a cellular level, this non-invasive treatment works on a cellular level to stimulate new collagen to smooth and plump, refining skin texture and tone. LED devices are not new, but with unregulated devices now on the market, you might be doing more harm than good with the wrong device. Setting standards for the rest of the industry, Omnilux is the only company that has precisely measured the light frequency its products emit, 633 nm (red) and 830 nm (near-infrared), which of course are the exact clinically tested frequencies required for successful treatment.
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THE TRUNK 7.0 www.drunkelephant.com
Back again for the seventh consecutive year, the most anticipated Drunk Elephant yearly offering treats you to their top ten full-size skin-loving favourites in an exclusive Baboon to the Moon backpack, to have you ready for adventure, with all the beauty essentials to hand. With something for every step, embark on a journey with a new brand, or top up on your favourites. Mastering the art
AYURVEDIC SKINCARE www.samayaayurveda.com
Ayurvedic skincare is nothing new; it’s a centuries-old healing system based on establishing and maintaining a balance between the mind, body and spirit, rich in herbal medicine and with a deep connection to the individual needs of your body. What is new, however, is a luxurious setting for these methods, with elegant aroma, texture to savour, and the melding of traditional ingredients with clinically proven actives alongside an openness as to their use, via a complete ingredients glossary available on their website. Take time to reconnect with yourself this festive season.
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Cosmetics Paint the town red, deck the halls with green and gold, and enjoy a smokey eye and blushed cheek, why don’t you?
LES ÉTOILES EDITION www.westman-atelier.com
The stars aligned to create a must-have limited edition trio of Gucci Westmans’s reimagined best-selling shades, for lit-fromwithin beauty. Luminate lips with Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Nectar, a shade born from their highlight collection. Raise cheekbones with Lit Up Highlight Stick in Biscuit, a warming seasonal shade taken from their contour sticks, and take Baby Cheeks in a buttery pressed powder for a more matte finish, taken from their staple cream blush.
THE COMPLETE KIT www.emolyne.com
A brand born of the belief that makeup should embrace and celebrate everyone who finds it, it’s the classics reinvented, with its core range of creamy lip liners, featherlight but intensely pigmented lipsticks, matching lip glosses and nail lacquers across thirty matching red and nude tones. Slip Alexandria under the tree for a lavish red fit for the season, and pair it with their new Eyeshade Creme in Lac Rose, a neutral and rich bronze.
COMPLEXION GLOW www.etalbeautycollective.co.uk
New to the market this year, and already leading the way for low-impact cosmetics, Et Al ensures each formulation is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and only uses eco-cert, COSMOScertified preservatives. Their Complexion Glow is a multi-use formula for the cheek and eye, free from sensitising ingredients like lake colourants, perfect for even the most sensitive of skin, in warming delicately designed neutral shades.
THE DAILY TRIO www. 1999beauty.com
In the era of effortlessness, we want more from our makeup. Indeed, we want pigmented colour and formulations that understand our skin type, clean ingredients and diverse shade range. 19/99 is an ageless brand, fighting against what it recognises as a ‘youth-obsessed industry that too often exploits personal insecurities’. The starter set includes High-Shine Gloss, adding a dewy gloss to lips, cheeks and lids, formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and their favourite Colour Pencil in Neutra, a suits-all shade for lips, lids, and cheeks, finishing with their lightweight, smudge and flake proof lash tint mascara.
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SATIN KAJAL LINER: VB’S GREATEST HITS www.victoriabeckhambeauty.com
When it comes to lust-worthy cosmetics, you can’t get much better than Victoria Beckham’s discerning collection of colour and texture in her Satin Kajal Liner Vault. Accent the eye with slicked lines, smudged lashlines or velvety all-over-lid impactful colour, including among others, smooth matte Cocoa, glittering Sequin Green and opalescent Olive.
PILLOW TALK DREAMS COME TRUE VAULT www.charlottetilbury.com
If there is one thing I am most asked about my kit, it’s whether I have Charlotte’s Pillow Talk lipstick. It’s the hero that became the foundation for a whole collection. This vault features three new products, the Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter, Pillow Talk Beautifying Face Palette and Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand, with eleven other Pillow Talk icons to complete the whole look.
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PADDINGTON COFFEE COAT www.welligogs.com
If you’ve yet to reach a point in your wardrobe life cycle where full-length coats are a staple, you’ve got some catching up to do. This rich chocolate brown and deep coffee-checked Paddington Coat cuts a serious look; it’s a gorgeous wrap coat style with Welligogs signature contrast details in luscious deep brown velvet, emulating a timeless sophistication. Use the belt to create a more relaxed look or tailored cut.
THE
WINTER
WALK
Winter is here, and that means it’s time to bundle up in style. Whether you’re looking for a cozy sweater, a chic coat, or a trendy accessory, we’ve got you covered. From classic to contemporary, from festive to formal, we’ve curated a selection of soem of our favourite winter fashion items.
PHILLIPA HANDBAG www.welligogs.com
The Phillipa Leather Handbag adds a hint of countryside sophistication to any ensemble. Crafted with opulent tan leather in a structured design and contrast stitching, it is further elevated by antique bronze hardware. The two-strap feature gives you the choice to go handheld or over the shoulder/crossbody. Three pockets, Welligogs signature mauve lining with inside suede panelling and the plait detail create depth and richness. It’s the perfect day bag to seamlessly transition you into the evening.
RANGER BOOTS www.welligogs.com
As it becomes wetter under foot, a decent pair of hacking or beating boots is essential. These Welligogs Ranger Extra Fit Waterproof Boots are 100% leather and the AcquastopⓇ membrane provides exceptional breathability and waterproof performance. The expandable rear gusset will easily suit larger calves, and the thermo-enhanced rubber sole absorbs shock and yields stability and grip. The premoulded removable footbed with instep support will also help distribute pressure across your feet and align your body.
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CHELSEA TRENCH www.hollandcooper.com
The timeless Full Length Chelsea Trench is a wardrobe staple and part of Holland Cooper’s new British-made tailoring design. With a large lapel and contrasting trim collar, this piece is designed to be worn open for maximum impact. Detailed with a double-breasted front and belted waist to add flattering definition and carefully crafted using the best quality dark camel tweed, the House Check contrasts to create a piece of British-made excellence.
THE SINGLE BREASTED BLAZER www.hollandcooper.com
Now for the men. The gents in the office have watched season after season as yet more collections have gone on release without a gents ensemble in sight. That changes this season. Designed with a single-breasted silhouette and lightly padded shoulder construction, this Single Breasted Blazer showcases a preppy style with a modern elevation. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s British heritage, each blazer has been carefully crafted in UK mills from the finest of Scottish tweeds.
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SEVENTY ONE www.seventyonegin.com
As lavish as it is extravagant, Seventy One Gin combines the craft of perfumery and distillation, using rare and exquisite botanicals - such as the Queen of the Night cactus flower, which only blooms once a year at night. Seventy One is aged in oak casks for 71 nights, giving it a smooth and complex character with notes of wood, chocolate, and a floral finish. It’s the perfect drink to serve at a Christmas cocktail party for maximum impact.
t i ir p S that’s
the
Perhaps you’re looking forward to spending the festive period with family, perhaps with someone else’s family. Maybe you’re finally managing to shake off the responsibilities and spending it alone. One thing is for sure, the festive period needs a little anaesthetic!
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A TALE OF TOKYO www.glenmorangie.com
Inspired to capture his experience of Tokyo’s many sensory dimensions and to experiment with rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks for the first time, Dr Bill Lumsden united Glenmorangie part-aged in Mizunara oak with whisky that had spent time in both sherry and bourbon casks. It’s a unique limited edition that’s perfectly balanced with Glenmorangie’s house style. The final dram has notes of pepper, bitter cherries, orange zest, incense and sweet oak. The house collaborated with Japanese artist Yamaguchi Akira for the label and packaging design, which cuts quite the figure atop the drinks cabinet.
ARCANIST PINEAPPLE RUM www.arcanistrum.com
Arcanist infuses Guyanese rum with Costa Rican pineapples and Caribbean spices. It could easily be the solution to that frosty morning walk or indeed to splash into your coffee before carols at the church. It has a fruity and spicy aroma, with notes of anise, brown sugar, and pineapple. The taste is smooth and sweet, with flavours of cloves, caramel and custard. The finish is peppery and slightly smoky, with a hint of peat. It’s a versatile and unique rum that can be enjoyed neat, with ginger ale, or in cocktails. It is a great shout for rum lovers who like a tropical twist, but it’s on the sweet side for sure.
HAVANA CLUB 7 GOLD www.havana-club.com
Havana Club Anejo 7 Anos is a dark rum crafted by Cuban Maestro Ronero Don Jose Navarro, who continues to share his secret style of extra-aged rum with the world. This one is probably not for mixing, but rather for some fairly serious sipping. Navarro used his ancestral skills to blend and age his rum over several cycles, creating a complex and smooth rum with a variety of flavours. You can almost taste the Cuban terroir from the famous tobacco to the sweet fruits and spices, and you’ll smell the Cuban sugarcane in the glass long after you finish.
FILEY BAY
www.spiritofyorkshire.com Made from palomino grapes, Fino sherry is naturally light, dry and delicate. During maturation, the heavier and oilier nature of the more traditional pot distillate really took on the spicy, ginger notes of these casks, whilst the fruitier, lighter nature of the unique column distillate let the sweet, honey flavours sing. Only 2000 bottles are available.
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O REIZINHO DOURADO www.haroldandhansa.co.uk
Reizinho Dourado 45% is distilled in a Portuguese Pot still before being aged for six months in Madeira wine casks. It has a light and floral nose, a golden amber colour and a complex aroma of green banana, dried fruits, caramel and salty olives. The taste is sweet and salty, with notes of black olives, caramel, dried fruits and a grassy finish. The rum is smooth and balanced, with a medium body and a warm aftertaste. This rum is a great example of the unique and distinctive style of Madeiran rum, which is made from fresh sugar cane juice.
BARBANCOURT 15 YEAR OLD www.barbancourt.com
This Haitian Rhum is a delightfully refined addition to any home bar and released in limited quantities each year, it’s proudly the estate’s oldest offering. A light amber hue foretells its soft yet complex flavour, with a profile on the sweeter side replete with vine fruits, prune and enticing soft vanilla on the nose. Its smooth feel on the palette is a result of its leisurely maturation in French Oak barrels, and as a result, it’s marvellously easy to take neat.
APERITIVO CO, ROSSO www.theaperitivo.co
The most seasonally appropriate of Aperitivo Co’s trio of vermouths, its rich amber colour fills the glass with the warming aroma of winter spice and bittersweet orange peel on the nose. Beautifully balanced aromatics dance in perfect step, with tasting notes that move from bitter black tea to rich cocoa, bittersweet orange to herbal undertones. Set up your nightcap with something artisanal, its perfect setting is an Americano, Manhattan or, of course, my favourite: a classic Negroni.
JURA 14
www.jurawhisky.com Striking out on gifts for the team this season? Jura has you covered with its very own personalisation service. We’ve not fully explored the limits of what they’ll print on the bottle but we doubt there are any real restrictions. So, buy in bulk and dedicate each dram to that special someone (or that team you entirely forgot)! The Jura 14 is a single malt matured in American white oak, bourbon, and rye whiskey barrels. It has a light and floral nose, with hints of orange zest, ginger, and walnut cream. The palate is spicy and creamy, with notes of cloves, burnt toast, cardamom, caramel and custard. The finish is short and woody with a touch of peat smoke.
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APERITIVO CO, GENTIAN www.theaperitivo.co
A thoroughly seasonally-appropriate libation, best enjoyed next to the fire with fresh snowfall outside. Their ‘alpine aperitif’ is a single botanical bitter liqueur made from Gentian root, here enriched with aromatic flowers and herbs to round off the palate with an earthy florality. Take as an aperitif on the rocks with a squeeze of lemon juice, or tall with soda and a garnish of lemon zest.
818 TEQUILA REPOSADO www.drink818.com
818 Tequila Reposado is a smooth and sweet tequila made from 100% Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. This small-batch tequila is naturally fermented for two days, cooked slowly for 30 hours, and then aged for three weeks in a blend of American and French oak barrels to give it a subtle roundness. Expect brown sugar, earthy vanilla, roasted agave, grilled stone fruits and some floral honey.
ALTOS PLATA TEQUILA www.olmecaaltos.com
Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila is a premium blanco that showcases the natural sweetness and herbal complexity of 100% blue agave. Crafted by master distiller Jesus Hernandez and two renowned bartenders, this tequila is made with traditional methods such as Tahona crushing and copper pot distillation. The nose reveals aromas of cooked agave, citrus, vanilla and mint, while the palate offers flavours of roasted agave, lime, jalapeño and cinnamon. The finish is warm and peppery, with a hint of saltiness.
KWAI FEH LYCHEE LIQUEUR www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Unlike some quirky cocktail ingredients that lend themselves to one style of cocktail (meaning they often languish after that first use) Kwai Feh is something you’ll return to as it’s great as an after-dinner drink, served slightly chilled or poured as a simple cocktail by topping with lemonade. Try Kwai Feh in a Rosé Champagne cocktail for simply stunning results - called the Fujian Royale, this drink is easy to make and delightful in both taste and appearance, and just might become your new signature cocktail for celebrations whether Christmas, New Year, or another festive-season occasion.
SHARP’S TOFFEE LIQUEUR www.themaidstonedistillery.com
Inspired by Edward Sharp - the real-life Willy Wonka who founded his ‘Kreemy Works’ factory in Maidstone in the late 1800s - Sharp’s Toffee Liqueur is a tribute to his legacy of making the finest toffee in the world. Using a traditional copper pot still and a blend of botanicals, The Maidstone Distillery crafts a rich and smooth toffee liqueur with a secret syrup recipe that is a closely guarded secret. Sharp’s Toffee Liqueur is not only delicious and indulgent, but also vegan friendly.
MEZCAL REINA, TOBALÁ www.mezcalreina.com
Mezcal Reina is a celebration of the deep cultural heritage surrounding this celebrated elixir. It starts with the harvest of wild Tobalá agave plants which are cooked in an earthen pit, crushed by hand with a wooden mallet and then distilled in clay pots. It’s an enterprise that is start-to-finish organic with sustainability at its heart, dedicated to the protection and restoration of agave and mezcal production within Oaxaca and Mexico. This high-altitude variety of agave gives an earthy roundedness, balancing herbal aromas of tobacco and leather on the nose before giving way to smooth vanilla and cocoa with a fruitiness hinting at passionfruit and mango.
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CYGNET 22 WELSH GIN
SIBLING DISTILLERY, WINTER EDITION GIN
www.cygnet-distillery.com
The name of this characterful gin is inspired by the baby swan (the heraldic symbol of Swansea) and the use of the number 22 for Cygnet 22 has special significance for founder Katherine Jenkins, as the expression was created in the year 2022, using 22 botanicals. What’s more, Katherine was 22 years old when she was offered the largest recording deal in classical music history, so the number is close to her heart. Cygnet 22 is designed to be sipped as well as mixed, and has a smooth flavourful profile it derives from its 22 botanicals and inclusion of Manuka honey. You’ll get heaps of Earthy juniper, aromatic spice, floral honey, and vanilla. The initial hit is smooth and balanced, with a burst of citrus followed by herbal and floral notes and a touch of sweetness from the honey.
www.siblingdistillery.com
Sibling’s classic Cotswold gin presents its festive reworking, infused after distillation with whole cranberries and hand-prepared clementine zest. The result is a spirit jovial in colour with a flavour profile to match. Enjoy with a tonic for a warming wintery turn of the classic, it perfectly pairs with ginger ale and orange to up the yuletide charm, or for an assertive start to a family gathering, try serving in a flute topped up with prosecco.
SIBLING NEGRONI GIN www.siblingdistillery.com
If you’re expecting a pre-batched cocktail or a liqueur, you would be mistaken. Here we have a perfectly balanced gin, packing a punch of citric and herbal flavours inspired by the classic cocktail. Best served with tonic and an orange slice, it will instantly transport you to a Mediterranean summer’s day, offering a refreshing twist on the classic flavour profile.
RANSCOMBE WILD SMALL BATCH GIN www.themaidstonedistillery.com
Ranscombe Wild is more than just a gin. It’s a celebration of nature, a tribute to the wild plants of Britain and a fanfare for their conservation. Made with hand-picked botanicals from the Ranscombe Farm Reserve, this gin is a symphony of flavours. You’ll taste the juniper, citrus, mint, honey and spice, all blended in perfect harmony. Whether you enjoy it neat, with tonic, or in a cocktail, you’ll be sipping a gin that’s doing its bit. Proudly supporting Plantlife the Maidstone distillery donates over 2.5% from the sales of Ranscombe Wild to support important conservation work.
PRINCE EXPLORER GIN www.hausofspirits.com
A gin created with one person in mind. ‘Le Prince Explorateur’ Prince Albert I of Monaco (1848-1922) was a man before his time, a dedicated oceanographer leading over 28 expeditions and some of the most poignant scientific campaigns of the era. His travels wide and far inspired this gin combining the complexity and sharpness of expertly selected peppercorn varieties from across the globe, with the sweet and cooling zest of the Mediterranean citrus he knew from his home. Don’t let this flavour profile fool you, the balance is precise and the finish is sublimely smooth, making it the perfect gin to sip if inclined.
THE KING OF SOHO GIN www.spiritofsoho.com
The King of Soho gin is a tribute to the legendary Paul Raymond, who transformed the Soho district of London into a hub of creativity, hedonism and non-conformity. The gin is distilled in the heart of London using traditional methods and twelve botanicals, including juniper, coriander, grapefruit and cassia. The result is a smooth and complex spirit that balances classic and contemporary flavours. The nose is fresh and citrusy with a hint of spice, and the palate is soft and smooth, with a wonderfully easy-going nature that captures the essence of the capital’s most swinging postcode.
KIPSI ROSÉ GIN www.themaidstonedistillery.com
Kipsi Rosé Gin is a unique and delightful gin that celebrates the fruits of Kent, also known as “The Garden of England”. The gin is distilled with a selection of fruity botanicals and matured in ex-bourbon oak casks, which add creamy notes of sweet vanilla and delicate spice to the spirit. The final touch is a blend of Kentish morellos, dark cherries, strawberries and raspberries, all of which give the gin a natural rosé colour and a refreshing sweetness.
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BLACKEYE GIN www.blackeyegin.com
If you are looking for a gin that combines quality, flavour, and a good cause, try Blackeye Gin, the unofficial spirit of rugby. Founded by rugby legends Mike Tindall MBE, James Haskell, and Alex Payne, Blackeye Gin is a premium London dry gin that boasts a blend of fresh citrus-forward flavours, subtle floral notes and a burst of juniper, all rounded off with a unique combination of botanicals sourced from different rugby-playing nations across the globe. But what makes Blackeye Gin stand out is not only its taste, but also its mission. The brand aims to protect the future of rugby - the game that the founders love - by making it safer for future generations. A contribution from every bottle sold is donated to the Blackeye Rugby Fund, which is split into the three key pillars central to the future of the game Blackeye Gin is a gin with a difference though – one that will give back to the game and the community that inspired it. RESEARCH - MAKING THE GAME SAFER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS RISK - WORKING WITH EXPERTS TO DECREASE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAME RECOVERY - LOOKING AFTER THE PLAYERS THAT GET SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM THE GAME
CHIVAS REGAL XV www.chivas.com
This 15-year-old Scotch is matured in Grande Champagne Cognac casks, adding a touch of opulence and refinement to this rich and smooth whisky. The golden amber colour invites you to pour a generous dram and savour the aroma of sweet marmalade, cinnamon and sultanas. The first sip reveals a smooth and velvety texture with flavours of butterscotch, red apple and caraway. The finish is long and satisfying, with hints of vanilla and pear.
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CHARLES HEIDSIECK BLANC DE BLANCS www.charlesheidsieck.com
Charles Heidsieck is one of the oldest and most prestigious champagne houses, founded in 1851 by the adventurous and charismatic Charles-Camille Heidsieck, also known as Champagne Charlie. He was the first to market his champagne in the United States, where he became a social sensation and a royal warrant holder. He also acquired 47 chambers of the ancient Roman chalk quarries (known as crayères) to age his wines in optimal conditions. These cellars are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique feature of the house.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs NV is a cuvée that showcases the house’s passion and expertise for Chardonnay, first expressed in its 1949 vintage. It is a blend of 100% Chardonnay from 10 different crus, mostly from the Côte des Blancs, with 25% of reserve wines aged for an average of 5 years. It is aged for 4 years on lees and has a dosage of 10 g/l. The result is a Champagne that is both fresh and generous, complex and delicate, true to the Charles Heidsieck style. It has a pale, crystalline gold colour with fine bubbles and glints of the Chardonnay varietal. The nose reveals aromas of mature Chardonnay, such as white peach, candied citrus, lime, honeysuckle and fresh hazelnut, with subtle hints of tangerine and lemon. The palate is pure and forthright, yet anything but aggressive, with a surprising suavity and a harmonious finish that offers a slight minerality and salinity. It is a bold and elegant champagne, suitable for any occasion.
© 2023 Gabriele Metz
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MUMM CORDON ROUGE www.mumm.com
Mumm Cordon Rouge is a brut champagne that epitomises the excellence and the avant-garde spirit of the House of Mumm which was founded in 1827 by three brothers; Jacobus, Gottlieb and Phillip Mumm, all German winemakers from the Rhine valley. The name Cordon Rouge, meaning red ribbon, was inspired by the prestigious French military honour, the Légion d’Honneur, and symbolises the quality and the craftsmanship of the champagne. Mumm Cordon Rouge is made from a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from 77 different crus and aged for about 2.5 years. The nose reveals aromas of lemon and grapefruit, combined with the richness of white peaches, apricots and tart apples. The palate is fresh, biscuity and fruity, with a balance of green apple, lemon meringue and mirabelle plum flavours. The finish is long, crisp and refreshing, with notes of honey and pastry.
LYMPSTONE MANOR CLASSIC CUVEE www.lympstonemanor.co.uk
A refined and elegant English sparkling wine, made from a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay varieties, and aged for 3 years on lees. It has aromas of apple, pear and brioche, a creamy mousse and a long, complex finish. A perfect match for the Michelin-star cuisine of Lympstone Manor. Or your dinner table at Christmas, of course.
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SIEPI 2021
SAN LEONARDO 2018
BERTINGA 2017
Siepi, an IGT Toscana, heralds from its eponymous vineyard in Castellina in Chianti. Treasured by the Mazzei family the terroir of the Siepi’s island-vineyard is characterised by its finely-balanced hydrogeological complex and the philosophy founded on painstaking attention to detail. The twin stars of this cuvée, Sangiovese and Merlot, each meld with the other to become one of Chianti Classico’s most representative Super Tuscans. Produced in a limited edition, Siepi 2021 impresses with its timeless Tuscan elegance and promises significant longevity. Into the cellar it goes, then. On the nose it has smooth notes of dried plum and crisp wild berry with smoother impressions of elderberry, sandalwood, and tobacco. It’s got a definitive palate boasting explosive power and a firm structure - this punchy drop has an appealing and seductive finish that is near-endless.
Carlo and Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga introduced the latest version of their estate’s grand vin having come from an exceptionalquality growing year that produced superbly ripe and healthy grapes picked harvested at perhaps the perfect moment.
Bertinga is a jewel of a winery that rises on the highest hills of Gaiole in Chianti. Only two grapes are grown - Sangiovese and Merlot - in three separate parcels totalling 17 hectares, all enclosed in a few square kilometres high on the edge of Chianti Classico.
“In July, we finally saw a brilliant sun, whose welcome heat warmed a season that was quite wet up to that point and with below-average temperatures. The overall results were more than satisfactory, and we now have a San Leonardo 2018 with a gorgeously-complex nose of wild black berry fruit along with hints of pungent forest floor and wild herbs. San Leonardo 2018 is already exceptionally enjoyable, but this wine is famous too for acquiring complexity and depth with ageing. That is a gift of its constituent grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Merlot, in descending order”
The three vineyards, Bertinga, Vertine, and Adine are remarkably different in terms of soil and aspect, but they share a high elevation and steeply-sloped vine-rows.
www.mazzei.it
www.sanleonardo.it
www.bertinga.it
On the nose the Bertinga has fascinating notes of red and dark fruits and with spices and mineral notes. It was genuinely so nice, we uncorked a second and tried it twice. It’s a full-bodied and structured wine with a dense and important tannic texture. The sip is taut and has a beautiful opening in the centre of the mouth and a finish of great freshness and persistence.
BADIA A CORTE 2018
PASSOROSSO 2021
Along the ancient road that leads from Florence towards Rignano sull’Arno through the countryside southeast of the city, consider stopping to stock up at the magnificent 18th-century villa, Torre a Cona.
Passopisciaro represents the benchmark for avant-garde Mt. Etna winemaking. Niche. In 2000, Passopiciaro established and then began to promote the concept of Contrade wines. The estate consists of 26 hectares of terraced vineyards, with elevations of up to 1,000 metres, with ungrafted vines between 80 and 130 years old and re-plantings from 2002 on at high densities. The high altitude, sun-drenched vineyards are idyllic… yet a constant plume of smoke and the odd ashfilled belch present a constant reminder that Etna is indeed a volcano with attitude, given to relatively frequent lava spills. The nose releases elegant hints of citrus and red fruits, which during its evolution leave room for aromas of camphor, sandalwood and spices. In the mouth it is crisp and savoury, with a pleasant softness and persistence.
www.torreaconawines.com
www.vinifranchetti.com
As one of just 27 wineries within the Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG, Torre a Cona is truly Florence’s own. It produces wines exclusively using fruit from their 20-hectare vineyard holdings, and half of the estate is dedicated to the production of olive oil and hospitality. The vineyard sits at an altitude of 370 metres on Alberese soil. Planted some 30 years ago, it’s the oldest vineyard on the estate. Intense aromas of cherry kirsch, blackberry and rich milk chocolate are complemented by notes of vervain, sage and lavender. The palate is full and rich yet focused with a sharp acid line, revealing a lovely red apple skin flavour, lingering earthy undertones and powdery tannins.
“As one of just 27 wineries within the Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG, Torre a Cona is truly Florance’s own. It produces wines exclusively using fruit from their 20-hectare vineyard holdings.”
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STOCKING UP You know the drill: you’ve dutifully ensured every member of the entire entourage has been catered for. when a member of your loving family informs you they desperately need to bring an appendage. Or you realise that someone that needs to be saved over the festive period. Whether you’re a kind-hearted soul or not, best have a strong list or pre-wrapped gifts at the ready.
ALASKAN DOG SCARF www.welligogs.com
COCO-MATBIKE
THE BEAR
KEW GARDENS MEMBERSHIP
RELAXAH
www.coco-matbike.uk
www.kew.org
THE HAMPER
www.harveynichols.com
www.nomanapiergifts.co.uk
www.shield-on.shop
VARSITY SWEATER hemingsworth.com
THE REVIEW 2023 43
THE SEASON'S BEST TAILORING
MADE IN ENGLAND