At Watson’s Wine, we take pride in sourcing exceptional wines from across the globe. Every month, we welcome an array of outstanding wines to our collection. This year, we’re excited to introduce three wineries you won’t want to miss:
Abadía Retuerta
Nestled along the banks of the Duero River, Abadía Retuerta thrives in a unique terroir shaped by its surrounding landscape.
One of our top recommendations is the Le Domaine Blanco 2022, crafted predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc. This terroir-driven wine is designed for aging, with Verdejo included in this warm vintage for added character. The result is a truly distinctive wine with an aromatic bouquet of white flowers like elder and acacia, complemented by lively notes of ginger and citrus such as mandarin, grapefruit, and lime. Once poured, aromas of stone fruits—apricot and nectarine—emerge, alongside ripe melon, hallmarks of the vintage’s warmth. On the palate, it’s creamy, persistent, and luxurious, showcasing expert lees aging. Its fresh, crystalline acidity ensures this wine has incredible aging potential.
Suertes del Marques
Founded in 2006, Suertes del Marqués is based on the island of Tenerife, where its vineyards benefit from a cool, ocean-influenced climate. Owned by Jonatan García Lima, the winery emphasizes native grape varieties and employs a traditional vine-training method known as Cordon Trenzado. This ancient technique involves weaving vine branches into braided extensions, with the vines planted in nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
We highly recommend the Trenzado White 2023, a blend of Listán Blanco with small amounts of Pedro Ximénez, Albillo Criollo, and Malvasía. This wine bursts with vibrant fruit, mouthwatering acidity, and a smoky undertone from the volcanic terroir, reminiscent of a Burgundy with an island twist. Pair it with cheese for an unexpectedly delightful experience!
Xiaoling Estate
The name Xiaoling translates to “cloudy peak of the mountains” in Mandarin, a poetic homage to the breathtaking landscape and proud heritage of this region. The estate is located in the dramatic and rugged terrain of the Tibetan Marches in Yunnan, near the sacred Kawa Kharpo mountain range. This glittering, nearly 7,000-meter-high peak, a holy site in Tibetan Buddhism, serves as a natural border with Tibet and inspires the estate’s wines.
Sentiers de Xiaoling 2020 is a great one to explore. Crafted with elegance, this second wine blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and has been aged in oak for 22 months. It extrudes a vibrant cherry red and delights the senses with aromas of wild berries, plums, and a hint of cigar box. On the palate, expect a silky texture, lively acidity, and layers of red berries, white flowers, spices, and subtle wood notes. The smooth tannins and fruit-forward profile make it a truly harmonious and memorable experience.
Start your new year by discovering these exceptional wines, each with its own story and sense of place. You may also visit our retail stores to explore them further and add something extraordinary to your collection.