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  • Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, Half Bottle

    Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, Half Bottle

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    Simon Judge

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    Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvée is their flagship sparkling wine, made in West Sussex using the same traditional method employed in Champagne. Nyetimber has gained serious recognition over the years, most notably through the achievements of their head winemaker, Cherie Spriggs. In 2018, she became the first person outside of Champagne, and the first woman, to be named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, a testament to the exceptional quality found in each bottle. Made from the classic grape trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it’s a wine that consistently impresses. This particular format is a half bottle, ideal for those…

  • Villarei Albariño

    Villarei Albariño

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    Simon Judge

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    This 100% Albariño comes from Val do Salnés, the oldest subregion of Rías Baixas in Galicia, Spain. The coolest and wettest area in the region, Val do Salnés offers ideal conditions for slow grape maturation, helping to preserve the natural aromas and vivid flavours that define this wine. Villarei Albariño is aged for six months on the lees, adding extra texture and depth. Presented with stylish, transparent bottle labels this wine needs to warm up considerably from refrigeration temperature, for about 40 minutes, to get the most from it. Once warmer, the wine opens with an inviting apricot aroma lifted…

  • Château des Jaume ‘Infusion’

    Château des Jaume ‘Infusion’

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    Simon Judge

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    Château des Jaume Côtes du Roussillon Villages ‘Infusion’ is a wine from one of the renowned estates of the Roussillon region in France. Located near the village of Tautavel, the vineyard sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains, producing wines that reflect this unique terroir. This 2022 vintage comes in at 14% ABV and showcases a natural approach to winemaking, with whole bunch vinification, minimal intervention and no added sulphites. Made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, this wine pours a light red raspberry colour and opens beautifully aromatic with notes of herby, cherry fruit. There’s…

  • Alain Grignon, Réserve Vieilles Vignes Carignan

    Alain Grignon, Réserve Vieilles Vignes Carignan

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    Simon Judge

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    Sourced from old vines, some over a hundred years in age, in the village of Limoux, within the Languedoc region of southern France, this 2023 vintage wine is a great example of 100% Carignan. However, the age of the vines is a crucial factor here. ‘Vieilles Vignes’ means ‘old vines’ that help lend the wine a concentration and depth that’s hard to find at this price point. Fermentation took place partly in tank and partly in barrel, giving the wine both softness and a subtle oak influence. Carignan is a grape variety often associated with high acidity and rough, rustic…

  • Fleurs de Prairie Sparkling Rosé

    Fleurs de Prairie Sparkling Rosé

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    Simon Judge

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    Fleurs de Prairie Sparkling Rosé takes its name from the wildflowers that flourish across the Languedoc vineyards in the South of France. It is produced by the family-owned Les Grands Chais de France Groupe, the makers behind recognisable names such as JP Chenet and Calvet. The packaging makes an immediate impression by eschewing a traditional front label entirely and having just a small neck label. Also, the bottle features a very small transparent back label, allowing the elegant moulded wildflower design in the glass to take centre stage. It’s a simple yet striking touch that beautifully ties in with the…

  • Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc

    Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc comes from the Western Cape, South Africa, and is made by an innovative all-black, all-female team, led by winemaker Praisy Dlamini and viticulturalist Ruth Faro. The name “Amandla” translates to “power within us,” a fitting tribute to the passion behind this wine. I have seen this Amandla promoted a lot but was curious to know what their wine tastes like. Made entirely from Chenin Blanc, the 2024 vintage has an ABV of 12%. First of all, be sure not to serve it too cold, giving it at least 20 minutes out of the fridge allows the…

  • Blueprint Australian Shiraz

    Blueprint Australian Shiraz

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    Simon Judge

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    Waitrose Blueprint Australian Shiraz was a must-try for me because it was a finalist in the People’s Choice Wine Awards in the Red, Own Label category. The Blueprint range from Waitrose is designed to showcase great-value examples of classic wines from around the world, selected for their quality and their faithful representation of both style and origin. Each bottle features intricately designed labels, symbolic of the maker’s region. This particular Shiraz, a 2022 vintage with an ABV of 14.5%, has a wonderful aroma with hints of burnt treacle. The full-bodied mouthfeel, part due due to the warming alcohol presence follow…

  • Irresistible Salice Salentino

    Irresistible Salice Salentino

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    Simon Judge

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    Irresistible Salice Salentino is 2020 vintage made from the Negroamaro grape, with an ABV of 13.5%. Produced by Botter, a brand more popular in Belgium, Germany, Holland and France, this wine comes from Masseria Doppio Passo in Puglia, specifically the municipality of Salice Salentino. It’s aged for at least 24 months, including six months in wooden barrels. I first tried this during a tasting I organised in August 2024. At the time, I enjoyed it a lot and found it had a slightly burnt edge, something often associated with Negroamaro. Revisiting a bottle sourced at the same time, I am…

  • Domini Veneti ‘La Casetta’ Valpolicella Ripasso

    Domini Veneti ‘La Casetta’ Valpolicella Ripasso

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    Simon Judge

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    Ripasso wines gain their signature depth and texture from the addition of leftover grape skins from Amarone production, but La Casetta goes a step further. Instead of Amarone, it is re-fermented with the skins from Recioto, a rich, sweet dessert wine, which takes the flavour intensity to another level. Being a Classico Superiore, it comes from the heart of Valpolicella’s most traditional winemaking zone (Classico) and meets stricter production standards (Superiore), resulting in a wine of greater concentration and complexity. Made from Rondinella and Corvinone grapes, the 2019 vintage has 14% ABV. Aromatically, rich aromas of plum and mild oak…

  • Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

    Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

    Fairview Barrel-Aged Pinotage

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Moillard-Thomas Chablis

    Moillard-Thomas Chablis

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

    Rustenberg Stellenbosch Malbec

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Spier Villa Blue Albariño

    Spier Villa Blue Albariño

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Capaia One

    Capaia One

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection

    HJ Fabre Malbec Barrel Selection

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    Simon Judge

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    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…

  • Domaine Tabordet Organic Pouilly Fumé

    Domaine Tabordet Organic Pouilly Fumé

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    Simon Judge

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    A new wine from Majestic, made using the Sauvignon Blanc grape. This wine comes from the Pouilly-Fumé appellation in the Loire Valley and is the 2023 vintage with an alcohol content of 12.5%. The wine has a light golden hue and requires quite a bit of warmth to fully reveal itself. It is a gentle and elegant wine, not overtly bold but rather subtle and inviting. The aromatics are a pleasant blend of honeydew lemon and a hint of tropical fruits. It features a grassy taste with mineral undertones and a salty, saline finish. Interestingly, it is not as flinty…

  • Definition by Majestic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

    Definition by Majestic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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    Simon Judge

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    Majestic Wine has expanded its Definition range with a new wine made exclusively for them by the well-known Californian producer, Schug Winery. This Pinot Noir comes from Sonoma’s cool-climate region, an area greatly influenced by marine fog and the winds of the Petaluma Gap, lending a unique character to the wine. The winery’s founder, Walter Schug, brought his European winemaking skills to Sonoma. Born in Germany in 1935, Schug was raised on the grounds of the Staatsweingut Assmanshausen, one of Germany’s premier Pinot Noir estates. His career in America began in 1966 with Gallo, and by 1972, he was the…

  • Aluado Alicante Bouschet

    Aluado Alicante Bouschet

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    Simon Judge

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    Aluado Alicante Bouschet is a wine that unusually uses the Alicante Bouschet grape, a variety I’ve found impressive in past Portuguese tastings. This grape is more commonly used in blends, making it quite rare to encounter a wine where it features predominantly or exclusively. This wine comes from Quinta de Porto Franco family estate, situated just north of Lisbon. The 2023 vintage has an alcohol content of 12.5%. The winemaker behind this intriguing bottle is José Neiva Correia, a figure, according to Laithwaites, celebrated by wine critic Tim Atkin as a pivotal influencer in Portugal’s wine revolution. José’s innovative approach…

  • Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel

    Josh Cellars Reserve Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel

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    Simon Judge

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    Previously, I really enjoyed Josh Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at a past Majestic press tasting, so I thought I’d try the Zinfandel and I’m glad I did. Aged in charred bourbon barrels for two months, this 2021 vintage has an ABV of 14.5%. At first, the aroma was a little subdued, but after just half an hour in the decanter, it opened up beautifully, revealing a great cherry aroma reminiscent of a muted Rioja. The taste is rich and spicy, packed with blackberry, vanilla and caramel, gradually developing into deep dark chocolate notes. With low to medium tannins, this wine…

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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