Simon Judge
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Zwiesel Bordeaux Wine Glasses
Zwiesel Glas, established in 1872 and rooted in the traditional glassmaking heritage of the Bavarian Forest, has become a trusted name in glassware. Zwiesel Glas sent me their Bordeaux Viña and The Moment range wine glasses to try, each suited to different occasions: ‘Viña’ for everyday use and ‘The Moment’ for those special occasions. The Viña Burgundy goblet has an expansive, bulbous shape, ideal for enhancing the flavours and aromas of red wine. At 221 mm in height and 111 mm in diameter, these Tritan® crystal glasses are machine-blown yet retain a refined shape and feel, with a rim that…
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Marques Del Norte Rioja Gran Reserva
After the recent Asda press tasting, I decided to revisit the Marques Del Norte Rioja Gran Reserva to see if my initial impression of it being a great wine still held. With an ABV of 14%, this wine is also a 2024 IWSC Bronze Medal Winner. This Gran Reserva, made entirely from 100% Tempranillo grapes, is richly aromatic. It offers an aroma of black fruits, chocolate and a gentle hint of oak. On the palate, it delivers flavours of cherry, liquorice, vanilla and a little spice. Upon re-tasting, I also found it reminiscent of M&S’s El Duque De Miralta Rioja…
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Barón De Ley Gran Reserva Rioja
This wine, 2017 vintage, 14% ABV, is produced exclusively in years deemed exceptional. It is aged for 24 months in a mix of American and French oak, followed by an additional 36 months in the bottle. Its aroma is classically Rioja, evoking the hallmark ripe cherries, vanilla and slight smokey notes you’d expect. On the palate, it is smooth with low to medium tannins, offering a soft and inviting texture. This is actually in contrast to the sister wine Barón de Ley Finca Monasterio 2019 I previously tried, which is much more tannic. The mid to end taste of this…
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Waitrose Food & Drink Report 2024
Waitrose have a new Food and Drink Report based on a survey of over 3,200 people who have shopped at Waitrose in the preceding three months to October 2024. The findings highlight a noticeable shift in customer drinking habits. Sales of no- and low-alcohol wines have risen significantly, up by 17% compared to previous periods. Boxed wines have also gained further traction, with sales increasing by 9% this year, reflecting a growing preference for convenience and sustainability among shoppers. Rosé wines, traditionally associated with summer months, are now enjoyed year-round. There is also an emerging preference for darker, more complex…
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Wines of New York State
In late November 2024, I attended a wine tasting event focused on the wines of New York State, presented by Jamie Goode. Jamie Goode, renowned for his book Wine Science, brought his expertise and insight to an intriguing exploration of a region not typically associated with wine production. While New York State might not be a household name in the world of wine, it is, surprisingly, the third-largest producer in the United States. The wines featured in the tasting were predominantly from the Finger Lakes region, with one notable inclusion from Long Island. Over the course of the evening, we…
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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 27 November to 3 December 2024 inclusive. See the recent press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives to Sulphur Dioxide in Winemaking
Winemaking has long relied on sulphur dioxide (SO₂) for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, ensuring the stability and quality of wines. However, slight concerns about its health impacts and allergenic potential have prompted the search for natural alternatives. Recent research highlights the potential of a plant-based tannin blend (referred to as SDR) as a substitute for SO₂ in white, rosé and red wines. SDR has demonstrated promise as a viable alternative, particularly in white and red wines. Unlike traditional SO₂, SDR-treated white and rosé wines showed elevated levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, suggesting an enhanced protective quality. However,…
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WineGB Top Awarded Wines of 2024
There’s a new Golden 50 Wines List, curated by WineGB in collaboration with the Vineyard & Winery Show. This list highlights the finest wines from England and Wales, all of which received gold medals across ten national and international competitions this year.The Golden 50 Wines List features 50 wines chosen from over 100 gold medal recipients in 2024. These awards were earned at renowned competitions such as the WineGB Awards, Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge, among others. Leading producers such as Gusbourne, Chapel Down, and Langham took centre stage, with Gusbourne receiving 11 gold medals across…
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Tim Atkin MW Ribera del Duero Selection
Each September, Tim Atkin MW spends two weeks in Ribera del Duero, meeting winemakers and sampling a large number of wines. This year, he tasted about 551 wines from 173 bodegas. In November 2024, he presented the fifth annual selection of his top 100 wines, with scores, at a tasting event in London. The top 100 wines all scored 94 points or more, representing the best of the region. In addition to the top 100, the event featured high-scoring selections in two extra categories, Ribera del Duero on a Budget highlighting wines costing €16 euros or less and Unrepresented Producers…
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Abruzzo’s Signature Wines
In mid-November 2024, I attended an Abruzzo wine tasting event in London. The trade-focused event showcased a range of wines from the Abruzzo region, including whites such as Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino d’Abruzzo, the vibrant rosé Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, and the region’s iconic red, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Most of the producers were seeking representation in the UK. There were approximately 100 wines on offer from about 12 producers, although, with hindsight, the exact numbers are hard to know. Unusually for a trade tasting of this nature, there was no accompanying tasting booklet. This lack of information made keeping track of what I…
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Three Finger Jack Old Vine Zinfandel
This wine, from California, takes its name from the notorious gunslinger Three Finger Jack, a figure from California’s Gold Rush era of the 1800s. Made as an homage to his bold spirit, the wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak, enhancing its depth and complexity. This 2020 vintage offers inviting aromas of raisins, black fruits, smoke and leather. This wine is smooth and luxurious, with a velvety texture that coats the tongue, undoubtedly influenced by its high 15% ABV. Flavours of ripe blackberries dominate, complemented by a smoky undertone that lingers. This full-bodied Zinfandel is fruit-forward…
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North Canterbury Pinot Noir
This Pinot Noir from North Canterbury, New Zealand, was my top pick of a recent Asda press tasting, where over 100 wines were sampled and where many others agreed it was a highlight. Its quality has been recognised with a Bronze Medal at both the IWSC 2024 and IWC 2023. I had to take a more in-depth look. Its light brown hue is unusual for a 2020 vintage, immediately catching the eye. The cigar-like aroma and savoury spice notes hint at complexity and depth, inviting further exploration. On tasting, delicate hints of violets and herbs weave through an intriguing, deep,…
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Protest Against February Duty Hike on Wine
Tim Atkin, Master of Wine, has announced that wine friends are coming together to protest against the exorbitant and potentially devastating February duty hike on wine in the UK. To join the campaign, send a flattened wine capsule or screwcap to Rachel Reeves at HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ, with a message urging the government to cap the wine tax. A petition will be live next week, and if achieving 10,000+ signatures, will stand a strong chance of getting this matter debated in Parliament. In the meantime, UK citizens are encouraged to write to their local…
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Harnessing Native Yeasts to Revive Terroir
You might sometimes encounter wine descriptions or labels mentioning the use of ‘native yeasts’. This refers to microorganisms naturally found on grape skins or in the vineyard environment. Yeasts play a crucial role in influencing the wine’s aroma and flavour. A new study provides insights into the otherwise widespread use of commercially available yeast strains by many winemakers. These commercial yeasts are engineered for predictable performance, enabling precise control over fermentation and ensuring consistent results year after year. This practice standardises wine production but is thought to diminish the expression of terroir, the unique interplay of soil, climate and local…
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Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva
Majestic’s new exclusive (at least in the UK) Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva is made by Bodegas Bilbaínas the longest-established bottling winery in Rioja. With a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, all grapes are from Bodegas Bilbaínas’ own vineyards. This is the 2015 vintage and this wine is only produced in exceptional years. The wine matures in Bordeaux-style American oak barrels and undergoes an aging process exceeding five years. Viña Pomal Rioja Gran Reserva has earned awards, winning accolades including the Great Gold Bacchus, a 94-point rating from James Suckling, a Master Medal from The Drinks Business Rioja…
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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 15 November 2024 until 15 December 2024. See the Autumn/Winter Press tasting for tips on what to buy.
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Cru Bourgeois du Médoc
In mid-November 2024, I attended a Cru Bourgeois du Médoc tasting event in London, featuring a selection of 64 wines from the 2022 vintage. Roughly 60% of the wines presented were seeking representation, making it an interesting event for industry professionals and wine merchants on the lookout for new additions. I’ve put together a short overview article for newcomers to Cru Bourgeois du Médoc. It covers the essentials, including the region’s location, the classification system, production numbers and the typical flavour profile of these wines. It also outlines the three-tiered Cru Bourgeois classification system that recognises quality among non-classified Médoc…
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True Taste
True Taste by Matt Kramer is a slim yet thought-provoking exploration of wine appreciation, wrapped in a mere 128 pages. Kramer, a respected American wine writer and critic, is known for challenging industry norms and questioning accepted wisdom. His approach to wine criticism, rooted in decades of experience and as the person who ‘invented’ the concept of ‘terroir’, shines through in this compact book. Kramer, a regular contributor to Wine Spectator, has spent his career examining wine’s complexities and subtleties. He’s a wine thinker and isn’t afraid to challenge entrenched ideas, from questioning the manipulation of wine competitions to examining…
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Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée
Maison Bruno Paillard is one of Champagne’s few remaining independent, family-owned Houses. They take pride in their ‘Perpetual Reserve’, an impressive collection of reserve wines dating back to 1985, blended with the latest vintage to produce their signature Multi Vintage Champagnes. This blend features 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, all from the first pressing and sourced from more than 30 of the best crus in the region. Up to 50% of the blend comes from reserve wines while 20% of the blend undergoes fermentation in barrel, lending richness and depth. After three years of maturation on…
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M&S Cuts Wine Prices for Affordable Festive Celebrations
M&S has reduced prices on a third of its wine selection in response to consumer budget concerns, with over 120 wines discounted since April, including 22 more cuts this week. To further support customers ahead of the Christmas season, M&S has also revised its wine deal, offering a 10% discount on four bottles (previously required six). Notable reductions include Conte Priuli Prosecco, now £7.50 (was £8), Prosecco Rosé, now £8 (was £9) and Wave Break White Zinfandel, now £5.50 (was £6.50).
Pick Lists
Majestic | The Wine Society | Tesco | Waitrose | Sainsbury’s | Morrisons | Co-op | Asda | Lidl | £7 and Under | Over £20
Did You Know?
Australian wine exports to China have collapsed from around $1.2 billion to less than $10 million. More
Wine’s aroma is not determined solely by which flavour compounds it contains. More
Low-to-moderate wine consumption is associated with lower mortality. More
Moderate water stress can be part of what creates flavour and terroir expression. More
Wine appears less frequently online than other alcoholic drinks. More
Independent retailers had 9% fewer customers in March 2026 than two years earlier. More
Average spend per bottle in independents has risen by 23% since 2019, compared with 21% in supermarkets. More.
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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