The Majestic Spring Press Tasting took place in April 2024, in London, revolving around the tag line “There’s a story behind every glass”. This event was notable not just for the wines themselves but also for the impressive detail in the thick, 209 page tasting notes booklet, covering the 101 wines.
This tasting included the latest additions to the Majestic range, including significant changes to their ‘Definition’ range where new wine producers have been swapped in to enhance quality. Additionally, Majestic has begun supplying to the hospitality sector and has acquired Vagabond Wines, a move that aligns with their strategy to attract a younger demographic of wine consumers through bar experiences.
Here are the wines that particularly stood out for me together with my notes:
(All prices are for mix 6)
Definition Bacchus 2023, England, 12.5%, £16.99
This upcoming release for May 2024 features a blend that is 95% Bacchus and 5% Chardonnay, made by Henners in East Sussex. This wine exhibits a complex aromatic profile, with elderflower and a rich mix of citrus and guava on the nose. The palate is distinguished by a robust middle taste characterised by light tropical fruits and citrus, supported by pronounced acidity. This wine surpasses all the Bacchus wines I sampled at the last WineGB tasting, making it a standout selection from the Majestic ‘Definition’ range of white wines.
Devaux Blanc de Noirs, France, NV, 12%, £27.99
This Champagne, produced by Devaux, is made entirely from 100% Pinot Noir grapes and unusually uses the Solera method, which is more commonly employed in the production of Sherry. The wine benefits from an extended resting period on the lees for three years, contributing to its complex character. The resulting profile is rich and buttery with prominent notes of brioche and a prolonged finish, offering a depth of flavour that is typically associated with more expensive Champagnes. Given its quality and taste, it represents excellent value.
Charles Saller Champagne 2015, France, 12.5%, £24.99
Newly available at Majestic, this vintage Champagne is produced by Pierre Mignon, featuring the classic blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The grapes are handpicked and meticulously sorted to ensure quality. It boasts a rich profile, characterised by white peach, plum, dried fruits, butter and brioche, making it complex and inviting. Given its quality and the detailed care in production, this Champagne also offers excellent value, particularly for a vintage Champagne.
Ayala ‘Brut Majeur’ Extra Age Champagne NV France, 12%, £39.99
From a producer owned by Bollinger, this Champagne has received high praise from Decanter, being recommended as a ‘must try fizz’ and awarded an impressive 94-point score. It is made from the classic blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The aroma is of white fruit, citrus and toast, setting the stage for a taste profile that is both dry and intense, with pronounced flavours of butter, citrus and toast. This combination leads to a long, lingering finish that remains a very very long time after tasting.
Château Peyrassol ‘XIIIE’ Organic Rosé 2023, Côtes de Provence, France, 13%, £19.99
Recently introduced at Majestic, this Provence Rosé comes from a vineyard estate with a history, established in 1204 by the Knights Templar. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, with grapes harvested at sunrise on a carefully selected date to capture their optimal freshness and flavour. This rosé features intense aromas of flowers and red fruits, with hints that verge on tropical, characteristics that are fully expressed on the palate as well. This is the best Provence Rosé I have yet tasted.
Marqués de Riscal Verdejo, Spain, 13%, £11.99
The new vintage of this wine is crafted from 30-year-old vines, producing a Verdejo that is smooth, yet fresh and aromatic. This fruity wine is marked by notes of tropical fruits and verbena. It features a strong mid-palate taste and a long finish.
Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Signature Series’ Viognier Reserva 2023, Rapel Valley, Chile, 13%, £7.99
This wine is composed entirely of Viognier grapes and has undergone aging for two months in oak barrels. The result is a zingy, refreshing profile with prominent notes of pear, peach and apricot. Additionally, it features a distinct minerality and a fruity essence. The brief oak aging contributes subtle depth without overpowering the vibrant fruit flavours, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable wine.
Josh Cellars Chardonnay 2022, California, USA, 13.5%, £14.99
100% Chardonnay with an intense nose that leads into a flavourful middle taste dominated by citrus, honey, juicy peach and, thankfully, very subtle oak. It finishes strong, leaving a lasting impression.
Definition Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 2020, Italy, 13.5%, £14.99
Available from May 2024, this new release by Tommasi Viticoltori, a leading producer of Valpolicella, showcases a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. The wine is aged for 12 months in Slovenian oak barrels. It stands out particularly for its very aromatic nose of black fruits, with distinct notes of cherry and tobacco. The tannins are lower and the middle taste less bold than the initial aroma might suggest but it’s a great wine nonetheless.
Definition Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020, Burgundy, France, 12.5%, £17.99
Set to release in May 2024, this wine from Doudet Naudin, one of the oldest Burgundy wine producers, is made entirely from Pinot Noir. It is very well-balanced, featuring a complex bouquet of herbal and forest-like aromas. Subtle yet distinct notes of strawberry and black cherry are complemented by a touch of spice and light smoke, adding layers of depth to its profile.
Definition Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, South Africa, 13.5%, £14.99
Launching in May 2024, this wine from Kanonkop is characterised by its rich and deep aromas of blackcurrant, black plum and black cherry, offering a robust and fruity experience. The tannins are carefully measured to ensure they enhance the wine’s structure without overwhelming the palate.
Château de Lussac 2006, Lussac Saint-Émilion, France, 13.5%, £19.99
A recently released limited parcel, this wine blends 77% Merlot with 23% Cabernet Franc, sourced from vines over 30 years old. It has been aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, which contributes to its complexity and depth. The wine is distinguished by an extreme aroma of blackcurrant that carries through to the taste, creating a consistent and compelling flavour profile. It boasts a beautiful texture and length, with an aroma and flavour reminiscent of, perhaps I shouldn’t say, Ribena.
Sons of Eden ‘Kennedy’ GSM 2021, Barossa Valley, Australia, 14.5%, £19.99
This Rhône-style blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre, and Grenache is notable for its deep crimson colour and a rich bouquet that bursts with cherry, slight liquorice and savoury spices. The enticing aromas pave the way for a flavour profile that is equally robust and appealing. A ‘crowd pleaser’.
Josh Cellars Pinot Noir 2022, Central Coast, USA, 13.5%, £11.99
This 100% Pinot Noir is the second offering from Josh that stood out. It features a great fruity, floral aroma that sets the stage for a palate rich with lush cherry and strawberry flavours, complemented by a subtle hint of oak.
Gibson ‘The Dirtman’ Shiraz 2021, Barossa Valley, Australia, 14.3%, £17.99
This award-winning wine is made entirely from Shiraz. It has a strong strong blackcurrant aroma and gentle body characterised by relatively soft tannins. The flavour profile features blackcurrant, chocolate and light oak, creating a layered drinking experience.
In conclusion, I had not previously regarded Majestic as a go-to for value Champagne, but my perspective has shifted. Majestic has also done an impressive job of refining their ‘Definition’ range, enhancing the quality and selection. This tasting introduced some great wines and it’s rare that I add so many picks from a single tasting.
