Simon Judge
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25% Off Wine at Waitrose
Waitrose has 25% off 6 bottles or more of wine and Champagne priced between £6 and £100 from 11 March to 18 March 2025 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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Fine Wines
An article from The Times (link might no longer be public by the time you read this) discusses how London has become the fine wine capital of the world, boasting more restaurants serving top-tier wines than any other city. However, while some people indulge in extravagant vintages, the real measure of a fine wine isn’t its price but its complexity and finish. Jane MacQuitty, The Times wine critic, suggests a simple 30-second test to determine wine quality. The longer the taste lingers after swallowing, the better the wine. Wines that last over 30 seconds indicate true excellence, while anything under…
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Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc
Emma Marris, eldest daughter of Brent Marris, the winemaker behind the best-selling Sauvignon Blanc, The Ned, is now making her own mark in the world of wine. Having spent her life immersed in viticulture, Emma fine-tuned her expertise studying at Roseworthy College near Adelaide, and has since stepped into the role of Production Winemaker. This Sauvignon Blanc comes from a single vineyard, Leefield Station Vineyard, and is certified vegan, carrying the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) accreditation. It already has impressive recognition, achieving a high rating of 3.9 on Vivino. At first glance, the wine is remarkably clear, almost water-like in…
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Negative Wine Reviews
You might wonder why all the wines that I and others review seem to be either satisfactory or excellent, with none described as poor. After all, preventing someone buying a bad wine might be seen as important as choosing a good one. When I began posting wine reviews, it became clear that I needed to establish some guiding principles regarding negative evaluations. First of all, whether I encounter a wine at a tasting event, purchase it myself, or receive it as a sample, I treat it identically. This consistency is crucial in ensuring fairness and credibility. The decision to withhold…
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Aldi Spring Summer Tasting 2025
I went to the Aldi Spring Summer Press Tasting in early March 2025 in London. Aldi is now the third-largest wine retailer in the UK by volume, across red, white and rosé wines. This year, they expanded their Unearthed and Specially Selected wine ranges and also had some interesting new additions from Washington State. There were 94 wines available to try, though there were fewer rosé wines than I expected, compared to last year. Here are the wines that stood out for me together with my notes: Specially Selected Ribolla Gialla NV (11% ABV, £6.99) An Italian sparkling wine made…
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Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage
Fairview has been producing Pinotage since the 1970s, with vintner Charles Back continuing the tradition with this wine. This particular vintage, from 2022, has an ABV of 13.5% and has been aged in seasoned oak barrels. The 2020 vintage previously won a bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge. Pinotage was created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, as a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. Known for its rich, deep colour and bold flavour, this uniquely South African grape variety has since become a key part of the country’s winemaking. This…
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Moillard-Thomas Chablis
Moillard-Thomas Chablis is produced by one of the region’s oldest wine merchants, known for their long-standing expertise. This 2023 vintage is made in stainless steel vats, unoaked as is typical for non-Premier Cru Chablis. The 2021 vintage of this wine was recognised with an IWC award in 2022, highlighting its quality. This Chablis is 12.5% ABV, dry with citrus aromas and flavours of white stone fruit complemented by a slight minerality. It has a particularly pleasant, rounded mouthfeel that sets it apart. The wine is both refreshing and smooth, making it very suitable for pairing with food. While seafood is…
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Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec
This bottle was a gift from someone who came to one of my past wine tastings – thanks, Hugh. It already has a few accolades, including 91 points from James Suckling in 2023, 90 points from the Tim Atkin SA Report and a Gold Medal from the Michelangelo Wine and Spirits Awards . At 14% ABV and aged for 15 months in French oak, this 2022 vintage was the largest in Rustenberg’s history. The first thing to note is that this wine needs time to breathe. Whether in a decanter or simply left in the glass for at least half…
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Wine, Neuroprotection and Gut Health
More new research (pdf) helps to balance the currently overly-negative narrative of wine and health. Chapter 6 of Nourish Your Mind: A Scientific Approach to Brain Health explores the role of phenolic metabolites from wine and their effects on cognitive and digestive processes. The chapter examines how these compounds, particularly polyphenols, contribute to neuroprotection, gut health and overall mental well-being. It highlights that phenolic metabolites found in wine, such as resveratrol and flavonoids, have been linked to cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement and neurodegenerative disease prevention. These compounds exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help mitigate oxidative stress and reduce…
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SITT Spring Tasting 2025
In late February 2025, I attended the Specialist Importers’ Trade Tasting (SITT) in London. With 47 specialist importers showcasing over 700 wines from diverse regions including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Lebanon, Moldova, Spain, Ukraine, the USA, Italy, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, there was an impressive array to explore. The wines are exclusively available to the independent sector, meaning they won’t be found on supermarket shelves or in wine multiples. The event caters specifically to independent wine merchants, sommeliers, restaurateurs, online retailers and regional wholesalers. With so many wines on offer, I had to narrow my focus. I…
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Shifts in Global Alcohol Consumption Patterns
The IWSR’s Bevtrac 2024 Wave 2 report highlights a significant shift in global alcohol consumption patterns, with moderation becoming a prevalent trend across all demographics over the past year. While a surge in complete abstinence observed in 2023 appears to have been temporary, consumers, including younger legal drinking age individuals, are now returning to alcohol but adopting various moderation strategies. One notable change is the rise in light drinkers, defined as those who consume alcohol infrequently and in low quantities. This group now constitutes the largest segment among drinkers in 15 key markets, surpassing both medium and heavy drinkers. Additionally,…
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Understanding South African Wine
South African wine, with its rich heritage dating back to the 17th century, has evolved into a dynamic industry renowned for its diverse terroirs and innovative winemaking. The country’s wine regions, clustered primarily in the Western Cape, produce a wide array of styles, from robust reds to crisp whites, underpinned by unique grape varieties such as Pinotage. History and Regions South Africa’s winemaking tradition began in 1652 when Dutch settlers planted the first vineyards near Cape Town. Today, the Western Cape remains the epicentre of production, encompassing over 30 wine-growing regions. The Coastal Region, stretching from Cape Town northward along…
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Wanderlust Trade Portfolio Tasting 2025
In February 2025, I was invited to the Wanderlust Annual Trade Portfolio Tasting in London. The event showcased around 130 wines, with a particular spotlight on 20 of their passionate and independent producers who were present. Wanderlust imports sustainable wines into the UK, working exclusively with family-owned or independent producers. They focus on organic and sustainable wines, sourced from smaller family estates, distributing them to UK restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues. They also sell directly to consumers via their website and have been awarded Best Online Retailer of the Year by Decanter Magazine. Among the many great wines, these were…
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Spier Villa Blue Albariño
Spier Villa Blue Albariño is an intriguing take on the classic Albariño (or Alvarinho), a grape most commonly associated with Galicia in Spain and its Portuguese counterpart. However, this particular wine comes from South Africa, produced by Spier Estate in the premium wine region of Stellenbosch. As one of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Spier has a reputation for excellence, having been named ‘South African Wine Producer of the Year’ in both 2011 and 2018. In 2022, it received the prestigious Editor’s Choice ‘Winery of the Year’ award from Platter. Beyond their winemaking, Spier is also known for their community-driven initiatives…
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Supermarket Own-Label Wines
Victoria Moore, wine correspondent for The Telegraph, writes about supermarket own-label wines and their quality, often surpassing well-known brands. The article link might be behind a paywall, as The Telegraph typically opens articles for only a short period to be indexed by search engines. Victoria has sampled hundreds of bottles to select two standout own-label wines from each major UK supermarket. These picks take into account a range of styles, regions and special offers: (The bold, italicised ones have also been previously picked by me) Aldi Asda Booths Co-op Lidl M&S Morrisons Sainsbury’s Tesco Waitrose
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Capaia One
Capaia One is the flagship red wine from Capaia Estate, located in the village of Philadelphia within the Tygerberg district, just north of Cape Town, South Africa. The estate benefits from a climate that allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with concentrated and complex flavours. Made by winemaker Stephan von Neipperg, who also owns two Grand Cru Classé estates in Saint-Émilion, this wine is made with the same level of precision as the finest Bordeaux châteaux. The blend consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 18% Shiraz, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. Each varietal is…
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How Climate Change is Affecting Bordeaux Wine Producers
New research examines the impact of climate change on the income of wine producers in the Bordeaux region. The study analyses the relationship between climate variables, vineyard characteristics and economic performance. The findings indicate that rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns significantly affect vineyard yields and income, with high temperatures during the bloom period (May to July) reducing yields, while warmer conditions during ripening (August to September) have a positive effect. Rainfall variability, particularly excessive precipitation during the bloom period, also negatively impacts yields. Wine producers in Bordeaux have responded by adapting their business strategies. Many have expanded their vineyard…
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25% Off Wine at Asda
Asda has 25% off wine, on £5.50 per bottle or more, 6 bottles or more, from 20 February 2025 until 2 March 2025. See the Autumn/Winter Press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection
HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection 2023 is a wine from Patagonia, Argentina, made from 30-year-old vines. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, it has an ABV of 14.5%. The name Fabre may sound French, and for good reason, this Malbec is the creation of Bordeaux-born Hervé Fabre. Discovering Argentina in the 1990s, Hervé has since dedicated himself to championing old-vine Malbec, managing his estates with the precision of a top Bordeaux château. His impressive barrel cellars have earned six Decanter Trophies in just three years, including two for Barrel Selection wines. This Malbec is refined and elegant, with…
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25% Off at Morrisons
Morrisons has 25% discount on 6 or more bottles of wine, £6 or more until 16 February 2025. Just been in to Morrisons and many wines are ALSO discounted so you get double discount.Their web site is very poor and doesn’t show the deals.Here are wines from my Picks: Morrisons The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva 2014£14 -> £12.50 -> (25% off) £9.38Really a Lopez de Haro. Morrisons version gained Silver IWC 93 points. Champagne Charles Clement Cuvee Des Vignerons£25 -> £17 -> £12.75 The Best Chenin Blanc 2024 South Africa£8.50 -> £6.50 -> £4.88 The Best…
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Aldi | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Nearly a third (32%) of UK consumers say they have already used AI for alcoholic drinks advice. More
Among socially active wine buyers, 37% have bought a wine recommended online. More
In 2026, 72% of consumers now think wine knowledge is essential to appreciation, up 20 percentage points on 2025. More
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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