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
Chapel Down, Brut NV England
Primary apple fruits. Very high acid, pretty frothy on the palate. Dry and crisp on the finish, if a bit un-complex. (RH)
12%Segura Viudas, Single Estate Chardonnay 2009 Cava
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)
12.5%WHITE
Pierre Chainier 2010 Muscadet
Sharp, crisp and with a salty lemon finish. Brisk! (RH)
12%Femar Vermentino 2010 IGT Lazio
Apple juice, bit of cinnamon, some phenolic grip too. The right kind of thing for a plate of pasta. (RH)
13%La Guardiense Greco 2010 Sannio
Bitter white fruit, some violets, a bit of green olive bitterness, but a long finish and good concentration. Needs food. (RH)
13.5%La Guardiense Fiano 2010 Sannio
Ripe green apples, full body, has the breadth so often absent from Italian white. Very enjoyable. (RH)
13.5%Luis Felipe Edwards, Los Nucos Chardonnay/Viognier 2010 Rapel
Light but well-defined apricot and peach. Clean finish, nice balance. Good, clean fun. (RH)
13%ROSÉ
Cooperativa San Salvador, Rosado 2010 Navarra
Boiled sweets, artificial flavours. Rent-a-rosé. (RH)
13.5%Valdepomares, Rosado 2010 Rioja
Grassy, light red fruit, bit of flowery aroma. Very simple, which is fine for the price, I suppose. Unambitious. (RH)
12.5%RED
Los Robles, Canelo Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2009 Curicó
Impertinent vanilla oak on the nose, sufficient black fruit, a little bit twiggy but drinkable. Slightly steep, price-wise. (RH)
13.5%Luis Felipe Edwards, Los Nucos Carmenère 2010 Rapel
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)
13.5%Val de Pedron Monastrell 2010 Alicante
Overt red cherry fruit, dry finish. Quite light overall, although not unbalanced. (RH)
13.5%Viñaoliva 2010 Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura
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)
14%