Simon Judge

  • Royal Tokaji Late Harvest

    Royal Tokaji Late Harvest

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    Simon Judge

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    The 2021 vintage was a particularly great year for Tokaji wines and this Royal Tokaji Late Harvest showcases a wine from this year. Founded as a joint venture between about 62 local wine growers and international investors, including the celebrated wine author Hugh Johnson, Royal Tokaji has a mission to restore and preserve the quality…

  • Cap Maritime Pinot Noir

    Cap Maritime Pinot Noir

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    Tesco has introduced another noteworthy addition to its wine range as part of its, previously mentioned, continued focus on premium offerings. Cap Maritime Pinot Noir, imported by New Generation Wines, is also available through select independent wine merchants. This South African wine comes from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Cape South Coast region. The…

  • Specially Selected Rioja Reserva

    Specially Selected Rioja Reserva

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    Aldi’s Rioja can be a bit confusing due to their approach to branding. They produce many wines under the Baron Amarillo label, which is just a white-label name and not tied to any specific producer. Under this name, Aldi also sells other Riojas, including those I mentioned during the Autumn/Winter press tasting. Two excellent options…

  • No.1 Margaux

    No.1 Margaux

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    Having initially tried this wine during a press tasting, I was keen to revisit it at leisure to gain a fuller appreciation and ensure its consistency over time. Waitrose No. 1 Margaux, 2021 vintage, is a new addition to Waitrose’s wine range. This blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an ABV of…

  • Change is the Only Certainty

    Change is the Only Certainty

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    Simon Judge

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    Having immersed myself in tasting thousands of wines every year, I’ve come to realise just how dynamic and unpredictable wines really can be. At first glance, people rely heavily on ratings and reviews, believing them to be definitive guides. However, wine is not a static product. It evolves, sometimes subtly and sometimes dramatically, over time….

  • Muga Rioja Reserva

    Muga Rioja Reserva

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    Muga is one of the most iconic and traditional bodegas in Rioja. Situated in the historic railway quarter of Haro, the capital of Rioja Alta, Muga is renowned for eschewing stainless steel tanks in favour of time-honoured methods. The bodega even operates its own cooperage, creating barrels from a variety of oak sources and carefully…

  • The Best Alvarinho

    The Best Alvarinho

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    Simon Judge

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    Another gem chosen by my wife, one I might never have stumbled across (the wine, not wife) otherwise. This 2021 vintage from Casal de Ventozela in northern Portugal has a 12% ABV. Although the ‘Vinho Verde’ mentioned on the label might suggest a lighter style, don’t be misled, this wine delivers remarkable depth and character….

  • Trends for 2025

    Trends for 2025

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    Bibendum’s Top 6 Wine Trends for 2025 highlights emerging preferences in the wine industry, based on the analysis of cutting-edge venues using the ‘Wine MODE’ tool. This is based on changes seen on UK on-trade (hospitality) wine lists. French Aligoté is gaining recognition as a standalone varietal due to improved ripening from global warming, now…

  • Wines for the Festive Season

    Wines for the Festive Season

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    Simon Judge

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    In CityAM, Libby Brodie explores affordable yet delicious wines perfect for the festive season, highlighting sparkling options, lesser-known regions and supermarket exclusives. Wines Mentioned:

  • Liquid Cocaine Hidden in Wine Cartons

    Liquid Cocaine Hidden in Wine Cartons

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    Simon Judge

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    Reuters has reported that Polish authorities have seized 44 litres of liquid cocaine, valued at approximately $1.85 million, hidden in wine cartons. The drugs were intercepted in the Lublin region after being shipped from a Panamanian port, passing through a European sea port and a Czech customs point in Ostrava. The operation involved Polish Border…

  • Co-op Les Pionniers NV

    Co-op Les Pionniers NV

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    Co-op’s award-winning Champagne is on offer to Co-op Members for just £15.00 (was £21.50) between 18th and 24th December 2024. Read my review.

  • Adnams Crémant de Limoux

    Adnams Crémant de Limoux

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    Crémant has gained attention in recent years, due to the growing popularity of Crémant wines as an affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced by Maison Antech, this Crémant is a 70/30 blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc with an alcohol content of 12% ABV. The production process follows the traditional method, the same method used to…

  • El Enemigo Cabernet Franc

    El Enemigo Cabernet Franc

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    Simon Judge

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    From Tesco’s Autumn Winter Tasting, it became clear that Tesco are focusing on adding more premium wine offerings. This shift and market conditions has encouraged some wine producers/importers, who once avoided supplying supermarkets, to reconsider, with Tesco now starting to compete more with retailers like Majestic and independent wine shops. With this in mind, I…

  • Self Blending of Wines

    Self Blending of Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    When reviewing wines, I often have six to eight bottles open at once. Different types and profiles help me calibrate my taste and I sometimes open a wine I’m already familiar with for comparison when assessing something new. That’s exactly what I did with the Deluxe Pinotage. This time, I decided to also open an…

  • Deluxe Pinotage

    Deluxe Pinotage

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    Pinotage wine often flies under the radar, and this particular Deluxe Pinotage from Lidl is especially elusive as it isn’t listed on Lidl’s website. The Pinotage grape was first cultivated in 1925 through the crossbreeding of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut by Abraham Izak Perold, the inaugural Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. Known for its…

  • Aldi Christmas 25% Discount

    Aldi Christmas 25% Discount

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    Simon Judge

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    It’s Aldi’s Christmas wine sale from 9th to 31st December, with up to 25% discounts on over 60 bottles. The following prices are from the press release which don’t all match those online so check carefully before buying. See my picks from the Autumn press tasting which include the Fleurie and Vouvray. Specially Selected Australian…

  • Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines

    Mental Approaches for Assessing Wines

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    Simon Judge

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    A new study looks at how two different mental approaches, mindfulness and thought suppression, affect the ability to smell and assess wines. Mindfulness, which involves staying present and accepting your feelings and sensations without judgment, helped people better notice the intensity of smells in the wines. However, it made them less likely to judge whether…

  • Free Chianti Classico Course

    Free Chianti Classico Course

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    The Consorzi Vini e Olio Classico online platform offers a free educational course on Black Rooster DOP wines and oils, exploring the history, terroir, and production of Chianti Classico. The five-module programme covers topics such as the region’s ancient history, modern challenges, grape and olive varieties, and production techniques. You will learn about Sangiovese grapes,…

  • Wine-Tasting Experience Day

    Wine-Tasting Experience Day

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    Simon Judge

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    Wine Unearthed invites you to a fun and educational Wine-Tasting Experience Day in London, held at Browns Covent Garden. You’ll sample 15 quality wines, enjoy a three-course food and wine-matching lunch, and learn how to taste wine like a professional in a relaxed setting, perfect for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by Wine Unearthed,…

  • Majestic Showcase

    Majestic Showcase

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    Simon Judge

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    In December 2024, with so few press tastings in the calendar, this gave me the opportunity to visit my local Woking Majestic for their showcase tasting. The event featured nine wines, arranged across three sections: white, red and sweet/fortified. The tasting began on a high note with the Taittinger Brut Réserve, a sparkling classic that…

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