Simon Judge
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Baronesa de Vilar Rosé Port
Made by Alvaro van Zeller, a 15th-generation winemaker from one of the Douro Valley’s most renowned families, whose lineage dates back to 1715 and once included ownership of the iconic Quinta do Noval, this rosé port reflects both heritage and innovation. Rosé port itself is a relatively recent addition to the Douro, only introduced in 2008. Rosé Port, also known as Pink Port, is made from traditional red Douro grape varieties but is produced in a style similar to rosé wines, involving only brief skin contact to achieve its pink colour. Like all Ports, fermentation is stopped early by adding…
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Thoughts on Vivino
If you haven’t yet discovered Vivino, it’s well worth a look. Vivino is an app and web site that allows users to rate and describe wines on a scale from 1 to 5, and then aggregates these individual reviews to provide an average rating for each wine. I’ve personally found the average ratings on Vivino to be surprisingly accurate and often a helpful guide when selecting a bottle. Curious to see whether this was just my impression, I decided to look into whether research supports my experience. Vivino relies on the concept of the wisdom of the crowd, the idea…
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Nero Oro Riserva
This Sicilian red might catch your eye if you’re drawn to Nero d’Avola, but it’s very different from the usual expressions of that grape. It’s a blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah from the 2021 vintage, with 14% ABV and a long 18 months spent in oak barrels. The result is a distinctive, deeply flavoured wine, shaped by the hands of acclaimed winemaker Stefano Chioccioli, whose past work has earned perfect scores from both the Gambero Rosso wine guide and Robert Parker. Now starting to show a bit of age in the glass with a touch of browning, the wine…
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Villa Maria Marlborough Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
I tried this one as part of my awards25 series after the 2024 vintage achieved an IWC Gold with 95 points. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2024 growing season saw low rainfall and cooler weather which led to a reduced crop yield and consequently more concentrated flavours balanced by fresh acidity. Specific yeast strains were selected to bring out the aroma and three months on lees have given it an added textural dimension. There’s a classic tropical aroma upfront, but with something deeper, perhaps ripe pineapple. The flavour opens with passionfruit and kiwi, supported by a citrus undertone. The…
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Extra Special Dão
Reviewed here as part of my awards25 series, this 2021 vintage picked up a Silver medal at the IWSC with 92 points. Produced and bottled by Falua Sociedade de Vinhos, it comes from Dão in northern Portugal and is made from 60% Mencía and 40% Touriga Nacional. At 13.5% ABV, it opens with a delicate fragrance of violets that sets the tone for a red that favours nuance over weight. The taste brings a blend of candied red fruits and ripe black cherries, expressive but not overdone. There’s a hint of oak at the end of the taste, gently rounding…
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Extra Special Albariño Rias Baixas
This 2024 vintage of Extra Special Albariño from Rías Baixas, produced by Bodegas Pazo Cilleiro in Galicia, stands out not just for its gleaming trio of 2025 medals, bronze from IWC, silver from IWSC, and bronze from Decanter, but for offering a genuine taste of its Atlantic homeland. Made entirely from Albariño and bottled at source, so it adheres strictly to the Denominación de Origen Protegida regulations, setting it apart from other bulk-bottled bottles often found on supermarket shelves. Immediately inviting with an aroma of peach and pear on first pour, it shifts quickly into sharper territory once tasted. Lemon…
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US 15% Tariff Looms Over EU Wine and Spirits
The Financial Times is reporting (paywall) that the United States is set to impose a 15% tariff on European Union wine and spirits from Friday 1st August 2025, despite lobbying by France and Italy to exempt these products. The European Commission confirmed that while some goods, like aircraft and cork, have secured exemptions, wine and spirits are not currently included. EU trade spokesperson Olof Gill noted that discussions are ongoing, but wine and spirits are expected to be subject to the full tariff rate unless a late change is made. The timing is critical, as US trading partners are racing…
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Heaphy Hill Riesling
This is a distinctive white from Nelson, in the north-west of New Zealand’s South Island, a region known as Nelson Tasman. Made from 100% Riesling, this wine comes from one of New Zealand’s oldest vineyards, which is unirrigated and small in scale. The wine spent eight months resting on fine lees before bottling, adding depth and character. The 2023 vintage sits at 12.5% ABV. It has already drawn significant attention, earning a Gold Medal and 95 points at the 2024 International Wine Challenge. It was also a finalist in the People’s Choice 2025 Climate Friendly White category and scooped three…
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Tuk-tuk Wine Theft Using Wheelie Bin
TheDrinksBusiness is reporting, a 61-year-old pedicab driver, from Islington, has admitted to stealing fine wine worth £24,000 from a restaurant in London’s financial district. The theft occurred on 6 May 2025, when thief broke into a restaurant on Threadneedle Street, stole 73 bottles of wine, and transported them away using a wheelie bin attached to his tuk-tuk. He later committed further break-ins on 15 and 19 June, stealing more wine and reinforcing his pattern of offending. The thief was arrested in the early hours of 22 June after being spotted outside a bar by a police constable who recognised him…
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Shifting Alcohol Habits in the UK and Beyond
Moderation in alcohol consumption, driven by both health and economic concerns, continues to shape global drinking habits, though patterns vary by region and age group. Research from IWSR reveals that consumer spending on alcohol is declining across most of the top 15 global markets. A key indicator is a 20% drop in per capita pure alcohol consumption since 2000, as more consumers shift towards lower-ABV drinks, such as ready-to-drink options and no/low-alcohol products. Younger consumers are particularly engaged in moderating their intake. In IWSR’s 2024 No/Low Alcohol Strategic Study, 75% of Gen Z and 74% of Millennials said they had…
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Finest Sancerre Rosé
I wanted to try this as it recently won a Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), which caught my attention since golds account for less than 1% of all medals awarded. It’s made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Sancerre and bottled at the source in the Loire by Fournier Père et Fils, rather than being bulk bottled in the UK. This is the 2024 vintage, which comes in at 12.5% ABV. I noticed the lovely strong aroma of peach straight away. The wine is dry and fruity, with lovely flavours of stone fruit, strawberries and raspberries. On…
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New WineGB Industry Report 2025
The new WineGB Industry Report 2025 highlights continued resilience and growth in the English and Welsh wine sector, despite economic pressures and regulatory challenges. The number of vineyards has risen to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. Kent remains the leading county for plantings, followed by West Sussex and newly, Essex. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir continue to dominate, with 99 grape varieties now grown in the UK, including emerging plantings of Grenache, Tempranillo and Viognier. Although 2024 saw the lowest average yield since 2016 due to challenging weather,…
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Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc
This sparkling wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Cabernet Franc, made using the traditional method with the second fermentation in the bottle that lasts for 11 months. This the 2022 vintage and sits at 12% ABV. The bubbles are small and stayed for a very long time, giving it a visual elegance not always found at this price point. There’s a buttery brioche aroma, the result of the bottle fermentation, lifted by a zesty citrus note that keeps things fresh. On tasting, it’s fruity and bright, with flavours of sherbet and citrus. There’s a hint…
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Whispering Angel Rosé Alternatives
Whispering Angel, the popular and premium rosé from Provence, has earned cult status thanks in part to celebrity endorsements, notably from Adele, and its subtle, dry flavour. It’s made from a blend of cinsault, grenache and vermentino grapes, offering pale colour and delicate notes of orange, red berries, herbs and spice. However, at up to £25 a bottle, it sits at the more expensive end of the rosé market. With that in mind, the Independent has wine experts and sommeliers share a range of excellent and more affordable alternatives. Many of these come from similar regions in southern France, especially…
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Expressions Fetească Regală
This is a Romanian white wine produced by Cramele Recaș in Transylvania, a region with a winemaking history that stretches back centuries. The vineyards in this area are thought to be among the oldest in the world, with Roman origins and documented references to the Recaș vineyard land dating as far back as 1447. For this wine, the grapes are harvested at night to preserve their delicate character. This particular 2023 vintage, part of the M&S own-label expressions range, was awarded the People’s Choice Winner in the White Own Label category. It forms part of my awards25 series. For a…
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How Science is Uncorking the Secrets of Early Winemaking
A new paper, Advancement and Innovation in Ancient Wine Research by Emlyn Dodd and Dimitri Van Limbergen offers a comprehensive look at how modern archaeological and scientific techniques are transforming our understanding of ancient wine. For wine enthusiasts today, several aspects of the research are particularly compelling, as they provide not only historical context but also parallels in modern winemaking. One of the most striking revelations is the use of ancient DNA to trace the domestication and spread of grapevines. Studies show that domesticated grapevines may have originated independently in several regions, including the Caucasus, Italy, Sardinia and the Iberian…
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Understanding Micro-oxygenation (MOX)
If you are keen to better understand how winemaking influences what ultimately ends up in your glass, you can gain some insights from exploring the topic of micro-oxygenation, or MOX, a carefully controlled technique used in red winemaking to manage oxygen exposure with precision. MOX is not about simply letting air into the wine but involves controlled, minute additions of oxygen to achieve specific effects on wine’s taste, structure and longevity. The main purpose of micro-oxygenation is to improve the texture and stability of red wines, especially those with high tannins. It can soften astringency and preserve colour by encouraging…
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25% Off Wine at Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has 25% off wine for Nectar loyalty card holders, sparkling and Champagne, 6 bottles or more, £6 or more (£7 in Wales), from 23 July 2025 to 27 July 2025. See the recent Sainsbury’s press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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25% Off Wine at Tesco
Tesco has save 25% off wine with Clubcard when you buy 6+ bottles that are £6 and over (£7 in Wales), from 22 July 2025 until 28 July 2025. See the recent Tesco tasting and Picks for tips on what to buy.
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Waitrose No.1 Barossa Shiraz
This wine is part of Waitrose’s premium No.1 range, aimed at those seeking standout quality. Having been impressed by the No.1 La Val Albariño and Margaux, I had high hopes for this Shiraz, which boasts a 2025 IWC Silver medal and a 93-point rating. It’s produced by the seventh-generation Lindner family and aged in a mix of French and American oak. The 2021 vintage comes in at 15% ABV. As soon as the cap is opened, the aroma escapes from the neck of the bottle, full of ripe red fruit. In the glass, there’s a slightly browning edge to the…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Rías Baixas wines reached more than 107 countries in 2025 and exports represented 31 per cent of the denomination’s total sales. More
Light Strike Can Cause Wine Degradation in Just One Day. More
People actively adjust their wine choices depending on who might see them. More
In the UK, 73% of Alcohol is Bought From Retail Rather Than Hospitality. More
UK wine production reached 124,377 hectolitres that year, meaning the UK accounted for roughly 0.05 per cent of world output. More
For Crémant, grapes must be harvested by hand and the wines must undergo at least nine months’ ageing before release. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest export market for Champagne globally, after the United States. More
Local UK bottling of wine represents about 40% of imported wine. More
Around 1% of people, typically severe asthmatics, have a sulphite sensitivity. More
A large 80% of Australian wine arrives in the UK in bulk. More
Only about 0.02% of Australia’s landmass is dedicated to vineyards. More
In 2024, New Zealand produced only 1% of the World’s wine. More
In 2024, the US imported 37% of World production of Pinot Grigio and the UK was is in second place at 27%. More
In 2024, the UK was South Africa’s largest export market, with 40% of total exports. More
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported 22.3 million bottles of Champagne, a decline of 12.7% compared to the previous year. More
Larger Champagne producers source grapes from as many as 80 different vineyards throughout Champagne. More
Champagne houses and growers collectively produce around 300 million bottles annually. More
In 2025, the Champagne region was home to about 2,124 Champagne houses and approximately 19,000 growers. More
Provence is one of the leaders in the conversion to organic viticulture, with 61% of vineyards certified. More
8% of the South Africa’s grape production is Fairtrade-certified. More
Up to 80% of wine aroma compounds come from grape skins. More
Glycerol is the third-largest component of most dry wines after water and alcohol which is why they so often feel ‘smooth’ or ‘silky’ in the mouth. More
Humans are more than 400 times more sensitive to bitter than sweet. More
Humans can detect the earthy molecule geosmin at about 100 parts per trillion and camels are so sensitive to it they can locate damp ground from roughly 50 miles away. More
During the phylloxera crisis of the nineteenth century, 90% of Europe’s vineyards were destroyed. More
In 2025, for La Vieille Ferme, also known as “The Chicken Wine”, sales surged by 49.4% to £110.8 million. More
In 2025, in the UK, Yellow Tail held the top position with sales, marking a 9.8% increase over the previous year. More
In 2024, the UK was the second-largest wine importer in volume and value. More
In 2024, the UK was the fifth-largest wine-consuming country globally. More
In 2025, global wine consumption continued its downward trend, estimated at 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. More
In 2025, online alcohol sales had a 20% increase in value over five years. More
In 2025, the number of UK vineyards rose to 1,104 and wineries to 238, with land under vine expanding to 4,841 hectares, a 510% increase since 2005. More
Moët Hennessy alone commands nearly 46.66% of the Champagne market, with the top three producers together holding about 61%, and the top five controlling over 72%. More
In 2024, the Champagne market was worth roughly €3.92 billion. More
In the marketing year 2023/24, white wine accounted for roughly 55% of Spain’s output, whereas red and rosé together made up about 45%. More
In the UK, 92% of wine is consumed within 48hrs of purchase. More
The majority of wines, 95%, use commercial rather than wild yeast. More
Between 0.5 and 10 litres of water, per litre of wine, are needed for cleaning during winemaking. More
Machine harvesting can achieve up to 100 tons of fruit per day vs 1 ton for a human. More
In Germany, 2025 was the smallest wine vintage since 2010. More
The majority of vineyards, 90% in 2019, are farmed with heavy chemical interventions. Only 6% are organic. More
90% of low and coastal areas in south Europe and California will no longer be able to produce good wine by the end of the century. More
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