As there are no press tastings during the summer, I sought out a consumer tasting at my local Majestic. In July, I attended a French wine showcase at Majestic in Woking.
All prices quoted are based on the Mix Six offer.
Devaux Blanc de Blancs Champagne NV 12% £28
From the Côte des Bar and made from 100% Chardonnay, this Brut Champagne benefits from long lees ageing. Light floral and citrus aromas lead into lighter fruit than I expected, but with richer autolytic character and a pronounced almond note more commonly associated with aged vintage Champagne. Dry, crisp and refreshing, with lively acidity that worked particularly well on what was a hot day.
Haut Vallon Rosé 2025 11% £8.50
Produced under the IGP Terres du Midi designation in Southern France, this is an aromatic rosé with fresh red berry character. It is light in flavour, sweeter in style and easy to drink, with its lower alcohol adding to the gentle feel.
Château Pigoudet La Chapelle Rosé 2025 12.5% £12
A Provence rosé from Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, made from Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Strawberry, citrus and peach aromas are joined by a pear-drop note when inhaled deeply. Dry, fresh and more acidic, it feels better balanced than the previous wine.
Peyrassol Les Commandeurs 2024 13% £17
A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Vermentino and Mourvèdre. Strawberry, raspberry and gooseberry are lifted by tangy citrus, while the acidity brings slightly more freshness than the previous wine. The finish is longer and feels fitting for the price.
Domaine Passy Petit Chablis 2023 12.5% £17
This minimal-intervention wine is made from 100% Chardonnay in Burgundy. It is less aromatic than expected, but strikingly round, with lemon and grapefruit flavours. Almond and a slight saline note appear on the finish. The acidity remains fresh, while the richness gives it a gently aged character.
Naudin Chardonnay 2023 13.5% £11
From one of Burgundy’s oldest houses, this Chardonnay is highly aromatic, with apple and citrus followed by mango and peach. Oak and buttery richness add weight, although the wine retains enough acidity to remain fresh.
Alan Grignon Réserve Carignan 2024 12.5% £10.50
From Limoux in the Languedoc, this blend combines Syrah, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Dark berry and spice aromas lead into a low-tannin style with a slightly sweeter character. It has less earthiness and length than I remember from the 2023 vintage, although it may simply have needed longer to breathe, as I also found in my earlier review.
Château la Sauvageonne Organic Grand Vin 2013 16% £28
From Causse du Larzac in the Languedoc, this organic red opens with fruity blackcurrant and lightly herbal aromas. It is full-bodied, with black cherry, black plum and spice. The wine develops noticeably while drinking, becoming drier and more tannic over time, though never excessively so. It is ready to enjoy now, either on its own or with food, and finishes with a leathery note. It is also popular at Majestic, where 100% of online reviewers said they would buy it again.
While I was there, I also noted the increased range of point-of-sale snacks and non-alcoholic options. At previous press tastings, I had been told that these products would become increasingly available, and it was interesting to see this reflected in store. The snacks were notably high quality, helping Majestic differentiate its offering from those available at other nearby retailers.
It was a great tasting, and thanks go to the hard-working team at Majestic Woking, who managed the event while continuing to look after their other customers.
