Jancis' most recent review of UK retailer Marks & Spencer back in April was called Some great value from M&S. Now, as of 18 Aug, they are following the UK supermarket trend by offering 25% off any purchase of six wines or more, which makes for some keen buys. The offer runs until 4 Sep.
Below are 13 tasting notes I took at the same tasting, in addition to Jancis' main article. They are presented by style/colour and producer (sur)name.
SPARKLING
Primary apple fruits. Very high acid, pretty frothy on the palate. Dry and crisp on the finish, if a bit un-complex. (RH)
Charming leafy character, round fruit, even a hint of biscuit – this is very good! Perhaps it’s the quality of the grape making the difference here. Very palatable. (RH)
WHITE
Sharp, crisp and with a salty lemon finish. Brisk! (RH)
Apple juice, bit of cinnamon, some phenolic grip too. The right kind of thing for a plate of pasta. (RH)
Bitter white fruit, some violets, a bit of green olive bitterness, but a long finish and good concentration. Needs food. (RH)
Ripe green apples, full body, has the breadth so often absent from Italian white. Very enjoyable. (RH)
Light but well-defined apricot and peach. Clean finish, nice balance. Good, clean fun. (RH)
ROSÉ
Boiled sweets, artificial flavours. Rent-a-rosé. (RH)
Grassy, light red fruit, bit of flowery aroma. Very simple, which is fine for the price, I suppose. Unambitious. (RH)
RED
Impertinent vanilla oak on the nose, sufficient black fruit, a little bit twiggy but drinkable. Slightly steep, price-wise. (RH)
Hot, oven-fresh black fruit, so smooth as to be moisturised, generic but well made, with a nicely savoury liquorice bite to the finish. (RH)
Overt red cherry fruit, dry finish. Quite light overall, although not unbalanced. (RH)
The purplest shade you can think of in the glass. Simple black cherry fruit, very very soft acid and tannins. Straightforward, correct but cheap. (RH)
