Simon Judge

  • Sichel Sauternes

    Sichel Sauternes

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    Simon Judge

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    This one is a bit different as it’s a wine I’ve held onto for 10 years. Normally, I focus on wines that are ready to buy and drink straight away. I don’t usually store or age bottles. But this one’s got a story behind it and it’s taught me a thing or two, particularly about…

  • Blondel Champagne Premier Cru

    Blondel Champagne Premier Cru

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    Simon Judge

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    I first discovered this Champagne at an Asda tasting, where it immediately stood out to me. I was keen to try it again, particularly as I’ve found that some Champagnes I’ve enjoyed at tastings have often not lived up to expectations when revisited later. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case this time. Produced by Blondel from…

  • Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc

    Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Bellingham Old Vine Chenin Blanc stood out when I first discovered at a Sainsbury’s press wine tasting. It is new to their range and was easily one of the highlights of the event. Once found only in independent wine merchants, it has now found its way onto supermarket shelves, making it more accessible. The wine…

  • Reflections on Large Wine Tastings

    Reflections on Large Wine Tastings

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    Simon Judge

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    I’ve been to a lot of large wine tastings over the years, and this post is a reflection on their merits rather than a commentary on the individual events themselves. By large, I mean tastings that include at least 100 wines, though some can offer many hundreds and even 1000s. My typical flow of such…

  • Champagne Cage

    Champagne Cage

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    Simon Judge

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  • Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Ventoux

    Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Ventoux

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    This is a red wine that captures the character of the southern Rhône’s Ventoux appellation, an area defined as much by its striking scenery as its distinctive wines. Towering over the region is Mount Ventoux, an iconic landmark known to cycling fans worldwide as a legendary stage finish of Le Tour de France. This 2022…

  • A New Vintage of Influence

    A New Vintage of Influence

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    Simon Judge

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    The wine trade has long held public relations in high regard. With its roots in traditional media and its polished professionalism, PR has been a staple in shaping the industry’s image, securing column inches and spreading the gospel of good taste. Yet in recent years, a new force has emerged, reshaping how influence is both…

  • Quinta de Foz de Arouce Red

    Quinta de Foz de Arouce Red

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    Simon Judge

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    Quinta de Foz de Arouce Red 2020 comes from the Beira Atlântico region of Portugal, produced by João Portugal Ramos, commonly known in the trade as JPR. This wine carries the IGP Beira Atlântico designation and is made from indigenous, hand-harvested Portuguese grapes, Baga and Touriga Nacional. It is matured for six months in second-use…

  • 25% Off Wine at Morrisons

    25% Off Wine at Morrisons

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    Simon Judge

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    Morrisons has 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, More card price, £6 or more until 15 June 2025. See the recent press tasting for my picks.

  • Tendrils

    Tendrils

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    Simon Judge

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  • 25% Off Wine at Tesco

    25% Off Wine at Tesco

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    Simon Judge

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    Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are £6 and over (£7 in Wales), from 11 June 2025 until 15 June 2025. See the recent Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.

  • Alcohol Doesn’t Completely Evaporate During Cooking

    Alcohol Doesn’t Completely Evaporate During Cooking

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    Simon Judge

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    The Drinks Business has an interesting article that challenges the common belief that alcohol completely evaporates during cooking. While it’s true that heat causes alcohol to evaporate, the process is more complex than often assumed. Scientific tests show that depending on the cooking method and duration, a significant amount of alcohol can remain in food….

  • Moillard Grivot Premium Chardonnay

    Moillard Grivot Premium Chardonnay

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    Simon Judge

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    Moillard Grivot Premium Chardonnay makes a statement with its wax seal and substantial, weighty bottle. It gives off a strong impression of luxury and quality, though some may view these touches less favourably from an environmental standpoint. The grapes are mainly sourced from vineyards in the Mâconnais, a region in the south of Burgundy that…

  • Marks & Spencer Classics No. 37 Shiraz

    Marks & Spencer Classics No. 37 Shiraz

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    This wine is part of the M&S Classics range, a line that draws on trusted wine styles from celebrated regions, with an eye on quality and accessibility. This 2024 vintage is from South Australia and comes with a strong showing in this year’s awards, having earned a Silver from the IWC and a Bronze from…

  • Renewed Curiosity of Awarded Wines

    Renewed Curiosity of Awarded Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    Before I became so deeply involved with wine through this site, I used to rely heavily on awards as a shortcut when choosing new wines. They felt like an easy, reassuring way to make decisions without having to look too deeply into the specifics. When I began mentioning wine awards more actively on social media…

  • Wine e-Commerce on the Rise

    Wine e-Commerce on the Rise

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    Simon Judge

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    I noticed a trend, at the London Wine Fair, that producers are increasingly selling directly via their own and wine platforms, and this shift is supported by recent data from IWSR, which projects that the global online alcohol market will exceed $36 billion by 2028. According to IWSR’s Ecommerce Strategic Study, covering 18 key markets…

  • Exceptional by Asda Grüner Veltliner

    Exceptional by Asda Grüner Veltliner

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    Simon Judge

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    This Austrian white caught my attention at the Asda Spring 2025 press tasting. It stood out immediately in a strong line-up and I was keen to take a closer look before it hits the shelves. It’s already just picked up a Bronze at the IWSC and it’s easy to see why. Made by Markus Huber…

  • The Real Reasons Why Gen Z Drinks Less

    The Real Reasons Why Gen Z Drinks Less

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    Simon Judge

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    The new free report by Rabo Research explores why Generation Z appears to be consuming significantly less alcohol. Although this report is based on data from the United States, its insights are globally relevant. The cultural, technological, and economic forces shaping Generation Z’s drinking habits are not confined to national borders. Similar patterns are observable…

  • Wine in Pubs is an Opportunity

    Wine in Pubs is an Opportunity

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    Simon Judge

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    I don’t visit UK pubs all that often, but when I do, I rarely find the wine experience enjoyable. Over the past year alone, I’ve been served red wine that had been stored next to warm lights, had small glasses filled nearly to the brim on multiple occasions and even came across a pub that…

  • Moillard Thomas Santenay Rouge

    Moillard Thomas Santenay Rouge

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    Simon Judge

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    Moillard Thomas Santenay Rouge 2022 is a 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, aged for 12 months in oak barrels. It’s a wine that impresses straight from the bottle, needing no time to open up. For it’s vintage, the light colour shows a very slight touch of browning, correctly suggesting it leans towards a savoury style….

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