In late May 2026, I attended a consumer wine tasting at Majestic Wine in Woking. The evening was led by Pete, a familiar face there with 18 years of experience at Majestic and, outside of wine, an accomplished international marathon runner.
The theme of the tasting was the “Definition by Majestic” range, with eight wines showcased throughout the evening. Definition is the retailer’s premium own-label collection, created to capture the classic style and character of renowned grape varieties and wine regions. The range is produced in partnership with world-class winemakers, with the aim of offering authentic regional expressions that reflect the benchmark styles wine drinkers expect.
Pete said he chose the particular wines to provide a broad international range and a wide spread of price points. Here are my notes with prices being mix 6 prices:
Definition English Sparkling 2020 12% £25
Produced by Heppington Vineyard near Canterbury from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. This English sparkling wine is zingy and very yeasty, rather than brioche, in character. Extended ageing has allowed tertiary flavours to develop, bringing nutty notes. The finish is long, with the maturity of the wine giving it different depth and interest.
Definition Mosel Riesling Kabinett 2024 8% £11.50
From Dr Loosen in Germany’s Mosel Valley. Pale lemon in colour, with aromas of lime, apple, and peach. The taste is packed with juicy citrus and stone fruit flavours, while noticeable off-dry sweetness is balanced by high acidity. At just 8% alcohol, some of the grape sugar remains unfermented, helping to create the lighter alcohol.
Definition Gavi di Gavi 2024 12% £12.50
Made from the Cortese grape by the Araldica cooperative in Piedmont, Italy, which was brought together by the local village priest in 1954. Pale lemon in colour, with aromas of apricot and white flowers. Dry and fresh, it offers crisp citrus and apple flavours followed by a light almond twist and a saline snap on the finish. The wine has good mouthfeel, although not the fullest style I have had for a Gavi di Gavi, with lively acidity and good length.
Definition Pouilly Fumé 2024 12.5% £18
A classic Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine Figeat in the Loire Valley, France. Pale lemon in colour, with aromas of citrus, green apple and nettle alongside a distinctive smoky flint note. Dry and light-bodied, the wine combines crisp citrus and green fruit flavours with a smoky mineral character running through it. Fresh acidity carries the wine through to a vibrant finish.
Definition Sonoma Pinot Noir 2023 13% £19
From Schug Winery on California’s Sonoma Coast. The colour shows slight browning, likely due to reduction. Earthy and savoury aromas lead into a lighter-bodied style than expected. Raspberry fruit is joined by savoury notes on the palate, creating a balanced and approachable wine with medium length.
Definition Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 13.5% £16.50
Produced by Kanonkop in South Africa. This was a personal favourite from a press tasting in 2024, when it was new, and was later reviewed separately, where it proved to drink particularly well on the second day after opening. Remarkably, this remains the same vintage as in 2024, suggesting Majestic committed to a substantial quantity. Fortunately, the wine has not degraded and has changed very little over that period. Blackcurrant notes are accompanied by hints of soft leather and dark plum, creating a robust yet fruit-driven style. The tannins are carefully measured, providing structure without dominating the wine.
Definition Pauillac 2020 13% £27
From Ulysse Cazabonne in Bordeaux, France. Deep ruby in colour, with aromas of cassis, cedar, cigar box, graphite and dark berries. The wine delivers a powerful blackcurrant core supported by firm structure and classic cedar tones. Low to medium tannins help maintain balance while allowing the fruit and complexity to take centre stage.
Definition Sauternes 375ml 2022 13% £14.50
Produced by Château Haut Bergeron. Deep gold in colour, with intense aromas of apricot, marmalade, honey, saffron and botrytis spice. Richly sweet stone fruit and citrus flavours fill the mouth, yet vibrant acidity keeps everything fresh and balanced. Full-bodied and very round, this is a luxurious dessert wine with excellent richness and depth.
By the end of the evening, the consensus seemed clear. The Definition Pauillac seemed to be the group’s favourite wine, combining classic Bordeaux structure with plenty of character. The Definition Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon was regarded as offering the best value for money, though I should say, its price has increased by £1.50 over the past two years.
One final thought. While much of the main Majestic range is constantly evolving, bringing new discoveries and encouraging exploration, that can sometimes be frustrating when you find a particular favourite only to discover it has disappeared by the time you return for another bottle. The Definition range provides a degree of consistency and reassurance. If you find a wine you enjoy, there is a good chance it will still be available when you come back for more.
Many thanks to Pete and to the hardworking team at Majestic Woking for hosting another excellent evening.
