THE TOM GILBEY
WINE CLUB
You might have noticed my shop has got a bit bare. That's because Fred's has got me far too busy getting into ice baths, writing books, and pretending to know what an algorithm is.
I loved selling wine, something I've done for 30-odd years, but after one too many calls from DHL because they can't find Sandra from Ilford's front door, I've decided to leave it to the proper professionals.
So, I’ve hung up my wine-selling hat and teamed up with the legends at Laithwaites who not only know their grapes, but know how to get the stuff to you in one piece.
The best bit? I taste and personally pick every bottle. These are wines I genuinely love, that I’d open with friends, or possibly even share with family if they’ve been well-behaved. This is brilliant wine without the faff, handpicked by me, perfect for you, and delivered by people who won’t call me at 5am about it.
The Tom Gilbey Signature Six
I love Laithwaite's passion for great wine. And we’re very excited to share with you these wines that were top notch when I spent a day in their tasting room (I had to be asked to leave). There's obviously my go-to fizz, an elegant Crémant de Loire . We've got a swaggering Aussie Cabernet that tastes like leather-clad blackberries on a joyride. A Portuguese Grande Reserva , Ken Forrester’s Old Vine Chenin and a crisp, crisp, Riesling, and finally a Sicilian Frappato that will blow your socks off in a heartbeat - smart, and seriously tasty. This is an absolutely banging case, and the start of something super special.
This isn't just about the wine though, this is about all of us having a bloody good time with it. So, we'll be doing digital drink-alongs (I suppose others could call it a 'tasting'), real-life meet ups, pairing suggestions, and more!
Château de l'Aulée Crémant de Loire
A party in a glass – light enough for brunch, and great enough to make Champagne nervous. Like biting into a pear while juggling apples on a trampoline, together with hints of white flowers, and a touch of citrus zest, this is so fresh and bouncy it’s practically doing star jumps in your glass. Perfect for brunch, celebrations, or simply pretending it’s the weekend on a Wednesday.
12.5% and worth every bloomin' unit.
Kalkstein Organic Riesling Pfalz 2024
This is liquid zippiness – all crisp green apple and zingy citrus. Razor-sharp yet incredibly friendly, organic but not boring, lively without shouting, and so refreshing it could power a small wind turbine. Floral notes peek through, adding a delicate perfume, while a steely minerality keeps it on its toes. Riesling at its chatty, cheeky best – clean, bright, and ludicrously moreish.
Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2024
South Africa flexes with this Old Vine Reserve Stellenbosch: ripe peaches and apricots swirl around with a custard cream sweetness, perfectly balanced by a twist of citrus to keep it lively. Ken Forrester is one of the masters of South African Chenin and the old vines give depth, structure and complexity here, giving the wine a sophisticated edge. But don’t fear, it’s still playful and accessible.
RedHeads Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
This 2023 Wilson Gunn Bellum Cab doesn’t whisper: it roars.
This is an absolute tsunami of black cherry, blackberry, mint, and spicy oak which create a bold, generous flavour profile. This is classically Oz in style – rich, juicy, and unapologetic. Perfect for winter evenings, hearty casseroles, or any moment that calls for a glass that hugs you back. Silky tannins and a long, layered finish.
w/o Organic Frappato 2024
Bursting with cherries, red berries, and Sicilian sunshine, this is juice-on-legs. Light, vibrant, and impossibly charming. An utterly joyous red you can chill, glug, or dance with. It is versatile too, as brilliant at the start of the evening as the end, and banging at lunch too. Superb on a Tuesday ‘just because’. I’d say this was impossible not to like, and impossible not to polish off the bottle. Trust me, I know.
Vilarissa Grande Reserva 2022
One sip of this, and I was hooked. Plums, prunes, and dark berries collide in this smoky, spicy Portuguese power house. It moves with a velvet swagger: deep, brooding, and deliciously long. Layers of spice and a hint of chocolate make each sip a journey, while the tannins keep it grounded and elegant. This grips, charms, and reminds you why Douro reds are legendary.