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"There’s something very Yorkshire about House of Townend. Whereas some firms have flash premises and lavish marketing budgets, this 5th generation family-owned winery Wine Merchants celebrating it’s 120th anniversary this year just quietly gets on with selling excellent wine with a particular emphasis on the classic regions of France. No wonder it has won the International Wine Challenge Regional Merchant award four times in recent years. Best of all, prices are low and lower still for Critic readers.
Sales director David Archibald, who gave me my first job in wine at Oddbins in Headingley, has put together a case that will have French wine lovers salivating. For starters, a white Graves, Château Trebiac 2023. Made largely from Semillon, it reminds me of something far more expensive from Pessac-Leognan with its aromas of pink grapefruit and white peach accentuated with a subtle oakiness. He has knocked a pound off to bring it to £14.75 (£88.50 for six).
I have a strong feeling that this next wine is going to be enormously popular with Critic readers: Château Tour St Bonnet 2018. If you love a traditional mature Medoc, think tobacco, blackcurrant and a refreshing bite to it, then you’ll love this. Perfect with a nice bit of topside. Down from £20 to only £18 (£108 a case).
And finally moving over to the Loire, there’s Le Funambule Crémant de Loire from Domaine Alain Robert. This is 100% pinot noir and with its bruised apple and hazelnut profile will appeal to those who like a richer style of champagne. The price is frankly ludicrous for a wine this good, £16.50, reduced from £17.49 (£99 a case).
Prices are for six bottle cases and delivery is free if you enter code CRITIC at the checkout. A mixed case with two bottles of each is £98.50. Fine wine, no-nonsense prices, that’s House of Townend."
Henry Jeffreys - The Critic Wine Club
*T&Cs apply.
Terms and conditions
All prices are inclusive of VAT. Free delivery is available to mainland UK addresses only when using discount code CRITIC at checkout. This offer is valid until 31 March 2026 and is subject to availability. Orders must be placed at www.houseoftownend.com/the-critic-wine-club or by scanning the QR code provided. The Critic Wine Club and House of Townend reserve the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time.