Jenkins and Beckers is a true family business. The company was founded by John Jenkins, a connoisseur of wines and member of the Bordeaux Club in the early 1970s. At that time his fellow Partner was Richard Beckers, a successful German businessman, and their initial venture was to import fine wines from the Rhine and Mosel for the English market.
This pioneering venture proved to be too premature, and they moved their attention to the classic Bordeaux wines, wines from the Rhone, and vintage Port. From the outset the philosophy of the company was to buy only the best wines, en primeur, ex château, or with a guaranteed provenance, and to hold them for the long term – often for 10 or 20 years or more – and to release them in due course to a select circle of connoisseur wine drinkers and to the leading members of the Trade who sought mature wines with an assured provenance and in impeccable condition.
In due course other members of the family became Partners in Jenkins and Beckers and Richard Beckers retired. John Jenkins died in 2007, aged 88, but the business continues with members of the family who share his original vision and his passion for food and wine.
Most wines are held under Bond in the cellars of Octavian or London City Bond. Jenkins and Beckers is able to hold wines for the long term because it is a small family business with minimal overheads. All the Partners, whilst paying careful attention to the business, have other careers, and the family are motivated more by an interest in wine than by profit. They continue to maintain their contacts with French negociants and certain key members of the UK Trade so as to be able to buy wisely and maintain a good service. Jenkins and Beckers also holds a limited selection of inexpensive classic French wines, expressive of their terroir, which offer outstanding quality and value, ready for everyday drinking.
The Partners
Robert Cumming
Robert studied Law and Art History at Cambridge. He is currently adjunct Professor of Art History at Boston University, Massachusetts, based at the BU Campus in London. For 22 years he worked with Christie's where he set up and ran Christie's Education. Robert, Michael Broadbent and Steven Spurrier established the Christie's Wine Course in 1982. At home he keeps bees and so has a good understanding of "terroir".
Carolyn Cumming
Carolyn is the eldest of the four Jenkins children. After study in Florence she worked in Christie's Modern Picture Department exchanging this job for that of running a busy family. She is a qualified garden designer, and has created her own beautiful garden. She is involved in many of the activities of her local market town of Buckingham. She was High Sheriff for Buckinghamshire in 2012/13.
Chloe Jenkins
When Chloe and John Jenkins moved to Childerley in 1957 the house was semi derelict and the farm still worked by horses. Through careful stewardship the Estate was revived and a beautiful garden, famous for its roses was created by her. Chloe has shared Childerley with many generations of visitors and hosted dinners for the members of the Bordeaux Club.
Clara Davies (Administrator)
Clara came to Childerley as PA and Farm Secretary to John Jenkins in 1988 having studied Business and Agriculture. Since 2007 most of her time is devoted to the administration of Jenkins & Beckers Wine Merchants and the events business.
Chloe and Phoebe Cumming
Robert's and Carolyn's two daughters joined the Partnership in 2011. Chloe is an equine vet in a practice in Essex. Phoebe is a PA working for a small property company in Knightsbridge in London.
Artist: Francis Farmer
A selected range of wines that reflect the characteristics of the region they represent. They are chosen to drink well now and offer excellent value as dinner party wines. We drink them ourselves and each wine has been chosen to complement a range of dishes.
Minimum order is one case of 6 bottles
The prices will include local delivery, duty & VAT
Click here for PARTNERS SELECTION WINTER 2022/2023
RED WINES - Updated list to be published in May
BERGERAC 2015 Domaine du Gouyat,
Bergerac Rouge With 70% Merlot in the cepage, this beautifully made wine is soft and supple in the mouth with good length in the finish. A good all round choice for everyday dishes.
2016 Domaine du Gouyat, ‘Le Pigeonnier’
From our favourite Bergerac vineyard in the valley of the Dordogne. Named after their 17th century dovecot. Introducing Malbec (20%) into the cepage gives an added lift and a smooth long finish. A classy everyday wine.
BURGUNDY 2018 Pinot Noir, Cuvee ‘Chanoines de Notre Dame’, Maison Jaffelin
A delightfully, fresh and affordable Pinot Noir from the heart of Burgundy. Aged in previously used French oak barrels for 18 months, the supple tannins are well integrated with the fruit. Cherry aromas on the nose, firm but delicate finish. A versatile wine which is equally good with fish as it is with poultry and cheese.
SOUTHERN RHONE 2016 Guigal, Cotes du Rhone
A delicious wine, full of sunny, spicy ripeness you might expect from the Syrah and Grenache blend. A quality, reliable Southern Rhone from a top producer. A good choice for summer barbecues!
MEDOC 2012 Ch. La Chapelle de Potensac Our top tip for summer 2020!
Visiting the plateau in the northern Medoc, from which the wine takes its name, you are surrounded by the 84ha. of the chateau’s vineyards. Owned by the Delon family for several generations, (owners also of Leoville-les-Cases, whose winemaker oversees the vinification at Potensac), they have gradually increased the percentage of Merlot over Cabernet Sauvignon. The soil here is gravelly with clay and limestone deposits; it is this latter element which favours the preponderance of Merlot in the cepage. The wine is characterized by firm tannins and, at eight years old, now reveals a wonderful freshness with crisp, bright cassis. Best served on the cool side, we think this is a great wine for summer drinking.
Chantemerle 2012
This small family owned property, occupies 9 ha. within the commune of Gaillan-en-Medoc at the heart of the Medoc. It produces wines of great charm with slight aromas of liquorice and an appreciable added depth of soft red fruits. Versatile and easy on the palate, a beautiful party wine.
2010 Ch. La Tour de By
This lovely property in the northern Medoc has long been a connoisseur’s favourite! Dark and intense fruits blend with subtle tannins to leave a silky, long and elegant finish. A Cru Bourgeois with haute couture style. Enjoy with a gourmet meal!
HAUT MEDOC 2012 Ch. Senejac
Full bodied ripe blackcurrants well balanced with cedar and tobacco on the nose, this wine still has a youthful finish with lovely grainy tannins, very expressive of the deep gravel soils surrounding the chateau. We think best decanted before drinking with beef.
WHITE WINES - updated list to be published in May
2018 Macon Uchizy, Cave Talmard
This lovely white Burgundy from a meticulous family of vignerons has become a firm favourite. 100% Chardonnay, dry and well structured with ripe lemon flavours. Drink as an aperitif, with fish and/or soft cheeses.
2016 Domaine du Gouyat Bergerac Blanc
This ever popular choice from Bergerac, offers a fresh, easy Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for any occasion and extremely good value
2018 Chateau des Antonins
A Bordeaux Blanc from a family producer (owners since 1850) whose 27ha. estate surrounds a wonderful 13th century monastery in Pondaurat, Southern Graves; 75% Sauvignon, 25% Semillon. Expressive herbaceous nose. Clean, elegant style.
ROSE - Updated list to be published in May
2018 Luberon Rose Famille Perrin
A lovely Rose from the Perrin dynasty, combining Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grapes. Hailing from the cooler vineyards of the Luberon, the wine maintains freshness with the characteristics of light berry fruits. Perfect al fresco drinking
SAUTERNES 2013 Ch. Petit Vedrines
The second wine from the “deuxieme Cru Classe”, Ch. Doisy-Vedrines. It glistens rich gold in the glass and has a luscious blend of pineapple, apricot and crisp apple on the nose, while still retaining a fresh acidity on the palette. Long, honeyed finish. A glorious choice with a summer cheese board. We offer this wine in half bottles.
CHAMPAGNE - updated list to be published in May
Pol Roger, non Vintage Very Special Offer! (No further discount) Per Presentation Box
A selection of our wines currently held in stock
Partners Selection List
Bordeaux Premiers crus
Cheval Blanc 1990, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Haut Brion 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Lafite 1990, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Latour 1982, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Margaux 1996, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Mouton 1986, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Bordeaux Grands crus
Calon Segur 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Canon 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Cos d'Estournel 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008,
d’ Issan 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
Domaine de Chevalier 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
L'Egise Clinet 2005, 2012, 2013
L'Evangile 2000, 2010, 2012, 2013
Langoa Barton 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Leoville Barton 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2013
Palmer 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013
Pape Clement 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Pichon Baron 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Pontet Canet 2009, 2010. 2011, 2012
Rauzan Segla 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Vieux Chateau Certan 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Bordeaux crus bourgeois and petit chateaux
Barde Haut * Beaumont * Birot * Brilllette * Capbern Gasqueton * Chantemerle * Charmail * Clos les Lunelles * La Croix Fourney * Lanessan * Latour Martillac * Latour St Bonnet * Mauvesin Barton * Nenin * Pique Caillou * Potensac * Poujeaux * Puygueraud * Rouget * Tour de By
Rhone
Perrin: Beaucastel, Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Hommage a Jacques Perrin 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 0227, 2009 2010, 2011, 2012
Rostaing: Cote Rotie, Cote Blonde, La Landonne, Ampodium 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012
Brunier: Vieux Telegraphe 2007
Chapoutier: Crozes Hermitage 2007 Port Dow, Fonseca, Graham, Taylor, Warre, Vesuvio, 1985, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2011
Champagne
Pol Roger
