Reviews
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Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc
Villa Maria’s Single Vineyard Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc is a standout wine from the eastern coastline of the Awatere Valley, a cooler and windier sub-region of Marlborough, New Zealand. This area is known for its slow-growing season, which allows the grapes to develop an intense concentration and depth of flavour. The 2021 vintage of this wine was awarded by the IWC, earning praise for its exceptional quality. It also holds a high 4.1 rating on Vivino, reflecting its popularity among wine enthusiasts. This 2022 vintage continues this success and has 14% ABV. This wine start with the typical Sauvignon Blanc passion…
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Virgen del Galir Val do Galir Godello
Virgen del Galir Val do Galir Godello 2023 is a white wine from Valdeorras in Galicia, Spain. Produced by Bodegas Virgen, which was purchased by CVNE, a notable name in Rioja, back in 2018, this wine reflects the region’s traditional winemaking techniques. The wine has gained recognition, with a solid 91 points from Robert Parker. The 2023 vintage comes in at a robust 14% ABV, making it one of the stronger expressions of Godello from the area. Made from 100% Godello grapes, this wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged for three months on its lees, adding to its…
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Viña Pomal 106 Barricas
Viña Pomal, famously associated with Winston Churchill as his reputed bodega of choice, offers its 106 Barricas Rioja Reserva 2019 as a limited edition tribute. The name ‘106’ pays homage, originally in 2010, to the 106th anniversary of the winery’s first harvest in 1904, with only 50,000 bottles produced for this exclusive edition. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano, offering a deep and complex profile. Aged for a minimum of 18 months in barrels, it has a bold 14.5% ABV. Viña Pomal’s vineyards are located around Haro, influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, which help…
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Three Domaine Bousquet Malbecs
I first came across Domaine Bousquet Malbec at the London Wine Fair, where I singled out Bousquet Gran Malbec, having won a Gold in the Drinks Business Malbec Masters. Here, I explore the winery further, along with its range of sister wines. The Bousquet family, originally from Carcassonne in southern France, have four generations of winemaking expertise. Their passion for high-quality wine led them to Argentina, where they found the Gualtallary Valley in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, situated 4,000 feet in the foothills of the Andes. In 2011, Jean Bousquet handed over the winery to his daughter, Anne, and…
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Babylonstoren Sprankel
The Babylonstoren Sprankel 2018, from the Western Cape, offers an intriguing alternative to traditional Champagne. It’s part of the growing selection of Cap Classique wines from South Africa with over 260 producers and more than 400 different cuvées. South Africa now produces an impressive 11 million bottles annually and the Sprankel is a great example of why South African sparkling wines are gaining international recognition. Made using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique, which mirrors the techniques used for Champagne, the Sprankel is made only from Chardonnay grapes. It benefits from over four years of ageing, allowing it to develop a…
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Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère
Caliterra Tributo ‘Single Vineyard’ Carmenère 2020 is a wine that caught my attention during a Hatch Mansfield tasting, and it has been a pleasure to explore it further following subsequent purchase. Produced by Caliterra Winery, a brand owned by the Mondavi/Errazuriz partnership, this wine is a fusion of modern winemaking techniques with Chile’s rich heritage. This 2020 vintage, 13.5% ABV, from the Colchagua Valley is a blend of 90% Carmenère, 8% Shiraz, and 2% Malbec, made by winemaker Rodrigo Zamorano. The grapes are handpicked and fermented using natural yeasts, resulting in a wine that is both authentic and expressive. On…
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Kingscote Sparkling
Unusually, this review of English Kingscote Sparkling begins with its price. Originally sold at £18 in Tesco, it recently became discounted to £12 and then available for a mere £9 during a special 25% off offer. But how does an Sparkling English wine, typically retailing at £20 or much more, end up at such a low price? The answer lies in the labelling and the winemaking process. This wine is labelled as “Sparkling Wine of England” rather than “English Sparkling Wine” The difference? Kingscote is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation occurs quickly in a large tank…
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Diablo Deep Carmenere
Diablo Deep Carmenere is a new wine from Chile’s Rapel Valley and as a big fan of Carmenere, I was tempted enough to give it a try, especially since their Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon is among my picks. However, I’ve always found Diablo Red too sweet, so I approached this one with a sense of intrigue. At 13.5% ABV, this 2023 vintage pours a deep purplish-red. On the nose, there’s a hint of familiarity with Diablo Black, with a leather-like aroma that perhaps suggests a shared winemaking technique. However, this is quickly overtaken by a strong caramel scent, which is…
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Wine Atlas Jaen Dão
The Wine Atlas Jaen Dão 2021 from Asda’s new Wine Atlas range is a great find for those seeking less familiar wines that deliver both quality and affordability. Mencía, known as Jaen in Portugal, is an indigenous grape variety originating from the western regions of the Iberian Peninsula. This medium-bodied red, with a 13% ABV, has already gained recognition, earning Bronze Medals at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2024, the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 and the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024. On the nose, this wine offers an inviting cherry aroma, hinting at the red-berried flavours that…
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Kylie Minogue Prosecco
When my wife picked up this Kylie Minogue Prosecco, I had my doubts. Too much Prosecco DOC (not DOCG) nowadays is mass-produced, resulting in a loss of the distinctive taste it once had. I assumed this newly launched, non-Rosé Prosecco from Kylie Minogue would be just a bottle relying on celebrity branding to disguise a mediocre wine. How wrong I was. This Prosecco is sourced from the renowned Zonin 1821 estate, known for producing some of the better and more expensive Proseccos on the market. The pretty bottle, adorned with delicate heart stamps, is more than just attractive packaging and…
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Two Pinot Noir
On the eve of Pinot Noir Day, we had two bottles of Pinot Noir waiting to be tasted, perfect timing for a mini tasting session. Three of us gathered, each with expectations of a light wine experience, especially given the wine variety. We decided to put them to the test not just by themselves but also with food, including pasta and strong-flavoured salads, to see how they might change. Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2022, New ZealandThis wine has a pretty colour that catches the light, resembling cranberry juice. The aroma is delicate, with hints of rosehips and perhaps…
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ASDA Extra Special Pinotage
Having recently enjoyed this wine at an Asda press tasting, I decided to purchase a bottle to experience it in a different setting. This wine comes from South Africa. Pinotage originated in 1925 as a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and was developed by Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. It’s usually known for its typically deep colour and bold flavour. The 2022 vintage of ASDA Extra Special Pinotage has a lighter colour than is typical. On the nose, there is a hint of blackcurrant but it is pleasantly devoid of the volatile acidity…
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Jas des Vignes Rosé Méditerranée
This Provence-style rosé from Ravoire & Fils, a family-owned producer in the IGP Méditerranée region, is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The main label sits proudly at the top of the bottle, drawing attention to its shapely bottle, a hallmark of Provence-style rosé bottles. The grapes are picked at night to preserve their aromatic integrity. It’s rated highly on Vivino with a commendable score of 3.9. It was commended by IWC in 2023. The Jas des Vignes Rosé 2023 delivers a dry palate that perfectly balances fruit and freshness. The initial taste is dominated by the notes of…
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Los Tontos Sabios
Los Tontos Sabios is a quirky and intriguing red ‘field blend’ crafted from organic grapes. This wine, from the La Mancha region of Spain, is a harmonious mix of native Spanish grape varieties, all grown in the same field and fermented together. The specific grapes are not disclosed, which adds an element of mystery to this 2021 vintage with a 13.5% ABV. Upon first tasting, I found it challenging to categorise, but soon realised the key is to appreciate it for what it is. It is ruby/purplish in colour and islight to medium bodied. It has a strong cherry flavour,…
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Mucho Mas Sparkling
My wife picked up Mucho Mas Sparkling when it was on offer, demonstrating her eye for the unusual and unique. This intriguing sparkling wine, usually found on the Prosecco shelf, stands out by being Spanish rather than Italian and isn’t Cava. The Mucho Mas brand, created around 2017 by Félix Solís, one of the world’s largest wine companies, is positioned in the sub-£7 price bracket in the UK market, making it an affordable choice. Made by winemaker Carlos Villarraso, Mucho Mas Sparkling is a blend of Chardonnay and Viura, the latter typically found in White Rioja. This wine features a…
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Villa Vito Pinot Grigio
I don’t usually buy Pinot Grigio, as most of it is mass-produced, of average quality and has a mediocre taste. However, according to Bibendum, it’s the most popular wine on trade, in hospitality venues. So, when I was recently tasked with selecting some wines for a gathering, I felt compelled to include a Pinot Grigio since it is so well known. Choosing the right Pinot Grigio was a bit of a challenge, but I opted to shop at Majestic this time and selected the Villa Vito Pinot Grigio 2023. Majestic’s buyers tasted more than fifty Pinot Grigio before settling on…
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Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Having initially enjoyed the Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 during a press tasting at the Asda Spring Summer Showcase, I decided to purchase a bottle to, spend more time with it and see how it fares in a different setting. To test it further, I paired it with beef and compared it side by side with another value Cabernet Sauvignon I know better. While I still like this wine, I should say it diverges from the typical Cabernet Sauvignon profile. Usually, a Cabernet Sauvignon is characterised by notes of blackcurrant, spice, tobacco, wood and vanilla. However, the Rosemount offers a…
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Marques de Los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva
I picked this up on a whim mainly because it was on offer and I’m glad I did. Initially, I was slightly concerned because the cashier hit the bottle extremely hard to remove the security tag, seriously damaging the foil. However, my worries went away once I tasted it. This 2014 Rioja, with an ABV of 14%, includes a touch of Graciano added to the Tempranillo, enhancing its complexity. It has the typical Rioja nose but with a pleasant, slightly more, woody character. The dark fruit and plums come through beautifully, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco. It also has…
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Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023
Ramón Bilbao, well-known for its presence in both Rioja and Rueda, produces this Ramón Bilbao Rosé 2023. This wine is made with the aim of reviving a classic Rioja Alta wine tradition. Winemaker Rodolfo Bastida has focused on Rioja rosados, specifically ‘clarete’, a style that has been a staple in the restaurants around his hometown of Haro for decades. This rosé is made from a blend of 80% Garnacha and 20% Viura grapes and has an ABV of 12.5%. It has a light amber colour, with a nose that hints of grass and pear. On the palate, these aromas carry…
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El Duque De Miralta Rioja Reserva
This 2019 Rioja Reserva is made by winemaker César Fernández at El Coto. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from the three prestigious areas of Rioja, Alavesia, Alta and Oriental, ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profile. The wine is aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, which imparts a distinct and inviting aroma of oak that is very aromatic. I first encountered this wine during the M&S Spring Tasting, and it caught my attention. I often buy wines I have previously enjoyed at tastings to see how they hold up on sale. I am pleased to find that this…
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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