In September 2024, I attended the Majestic Press Tasting event, which showcased 109 wines from their Autumn/Winter collection.
The selection included new arrivals, fine wines and special parcels curated for the upcoming Christmas season. It was a comprehensive display, offering a wide range of styles and price points, as well as Majestic’s recently updated off-the-beaten-track range. One notable highlight was the launch of a new Majestic brand, ‘The Oath’, created in collaboration with Château Tanunda.
Among the many great wines on offer, these stood out as particularly memorable:
(All prices reflect a mix 6 discount)
Ayala ‘Le Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne 2016, is a great example of the excellence from one of the original Champagne Grandes Marques Houses, Ayala, which has been under the ownership of Bollinger since 2005. This champagne is 100% Chardonnay and is only produced in limited quantities during exceptional vintages. What sets this wine apart is the six years of ageing on its lees, which contributes to its extraordinary depth. The deep brioche aroma is one of the richest I have ever encountered, and this richness carries seamlessly through to the taste. The champagne is creamy and complex, without any sourness to detract from its elegance. Furthermore, it has the potential to age, with a drinking window extending up to 2032! £65.
Definition Mosel Riesling Kabinett 2023 is a tasty 100% Riesling made by Dr. Loosen. Harvested at the ‘Kabinett’ ripeness level, it offers the lightness and delicacy typical of this German style, though with a slightly fuller body than usual for Kabinett. A brief period on the lees enhances its complexity. The aroma reveals enticing notes of peach, apricot and citrus. On the palate, flavours of almond, apple and apricot intertwine, creating a wine that is sweet but never cloying, maintaining a fine balance. £11.99.
The Oath, Barossa Chardonnay 2023, available as of September 2023, is a blend of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Semillon, showcasing the evolution of Australian Chardonnay. With 12.5% ABV, it strikes a perfect balance of richness and elegance. The use of both new and old oak barrels imparts subtle vanilla and spice, while ageing on the lees adds a delicate yeasty note. On the palate, a honeyed middle taste provides a luxurious touch, complementing the well-integrated oak. Unlike the heavier Australian Chardonnays of the past, this wine is beautifully balanced, avoiding any overdone oakiness. £11.99.
Yalumba Worthy Grounds Viognier 2021, new to Majestic, is a striking 100% Viognier from the Eden Valley. This wine has been aged on its lees for 10 months, giving it a rich texture and complexity. On the nose, it is deeply aromatic, with enticing notes of apricot and ginger that leap from the glass. On the palate, the wine continues to impress, with a honeyed middle taste adding a layer of smoothness and indulgence. £14.99.
Château de Sainte Gemme 2017 is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet, offering a classic Bordeaux experience. At 13%, it presents a beautifully balanced profile. The aromas are rich with blackcurrant, oak and a hint of leather, creating an inviting complexity. On the palate, flavours of cherry, blueberry and cedar come through, delivering a smooth, round and fruit-forward taste. The tannins are present but provide just enough structure without overpowering the wine. £12.99.
Viña Pomal 106 Barricas 2019, at 14.5%, is a wine I’ve reviewed before, but it was interesting to revisit it in a different context, tasting it alongside other wines. Intriguingly, I found myself enjoying it even more this time around. £12.99.
Blaauwklippen Zinfandel 2019, at 14.5%, comes from Stellenbosch, South Africa, offering a unique take on Zinfandel, typically associated with California or Italy (as Primitivo). Surprisingly, it has a browner hue than expected for a 2019 vintage, yet it delivers excellent woody aromatics that immediately captivate. On the palate, it features slight tannins and a fruity profile, with notes of cherry, cranberry and a touch of liquorice. The wine is smooth with good length, sitting stylistically between the boldness of American Zinfandels and the more restrained Italian versions. £14.99.
Meerlust Red 2020, at 14%, comes from the renowned Meerlust estate in Stellenbosch, South Africa, famous for its award-winning Rubicon wine. This is a Bordeaux-style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Each grape variety is fermented separately, with the wine spending 8 months in oak before being blended and aged for a further 8 months in barrel. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of red fruit, smoke, and warm spice, with the smoky note reminiscent of Carmenère. Full-bodied on the palate, it reveals a luscious mid-taste of caramel and butterscotch, balanced with a satisfying length. £17.99.
Mayu Gran Reserva Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, at 14%, is an intriguing Pinot Noir from Chile. 50% of the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months, which brings depth and complexity. I was curious as to why it appeared later in the tasting, as Pinot Noir typically comes earlier due to its lighter style. However, this wine defies expectations. Despite its light, slightly brown hue, both the expectations for Pinot Noir and wine colour are deceptive. The wine offers a deep leather aroma and a palate delivering a strong, harmonious blend of woody and fruity notes. The mid-taste is impressively deep and this wine has great length. New to Majestic from October 2024, it’s a excellent value at £12.99.
Donnachadh Pinot Noir 2022, at 13.5%, is a premium offering from Majestic, coming from the Santa Rita Hills in the USA. Aged for 10 months in French oak, this wine is gentle yet full of flavour, displaying red cherry fruit notes that are both vibrant and delicate. Spicy undertones, accompanied by subtle herbal hints, add complexity to the wine, making it a refined and well-balanced choice. Released in September 2022, this wine offers a more sophisticated experience for Pinot Noir lovers. £34.99.
Donnachadh Chardonnay 2022, at 13%, is the sister wine to the previously mentioned Pinot Noir, also from the Santa Rita Hills. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of lemon, a hint of orange, and brioche, promising a rich and layered experience. On the palate, it reveals smoky, citrus, and marmalade notes, with a touch of apricot adding depth. The finish is impressively long, leaving a lasting impression. Released in September 2024. £34.99.
I discovered some excellent wines at the Majestic Press Tasting, spanning a wide range of price points and countries. It’s clear that Majestic continues to push boundaries and bring exciting new wines to customers.
Note that not all wines are in all stores. Also note the release dates mentioned above. Prices might also change.
