Online - Critic's Choice

In a world of uninformed influencers there is still a handful of authoritative critics worth listening to. Preeminent amongst these is Jancis Robinson OBE MW. Described by Decanter magazine as,”the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world.” If Jancis says a wine is good then it’s probably worth trying. And that’s exactly what we do in this online tasting.

Jancis recently reviewed a range of wines from Majestic and I have pulled together a selection of her top rated wines which I think will make for interesting tastings.

The flights and JRs comments are noted below.

Flight 1 Clash of the Chardonnays - A wine from Jura, “much more interesting than many a white burgundy and with real impact on the palate. A three-exclamation-mark wine. VGV” and a St-Véran, “Intense nose. Correct and tightly laced.”

Flight 2 Bordeaux Value – A Left Bank, “Great vintage and a wine that’s ready to enjoy. Supple but definitely shades of Médoc classed-growth quality. VGV2 and a Right Bank, “Intense, sweet and concentrated with long finish and lots of impact.”

Flight 3 Fine Examples from Portugal – One from the Encruzado grape, “Excellent price for Portugal’s answer to white burgundy” and one from the Arinto grape, “Relatively full-bodied and nicely balanced. This would do duty in a white-burgundy sort of context.”

Flight 4 New World Discoveries – From Barossa Valley, “Pale garnet. Pure, sweet, floral Grenache nose. Such a steal! Gentle and gorgeous. VGV” and a Malbec from Mendoza, “I thought this was a much more premium wine? Lots of fun for the money – and with the Lafite imprimatur to boot! GV.”

Flight 5 Cool Climate Whites – A, “Correct, fine Mosel Riesling on the nose that’s light, refreshing and dry.” And an unusual wine from a great Devon estate and thoughtful winemaker. 70% Madeleine Angevine, 20% Bacchus, 8% Pinot Gris, 2% Pinot Blanc.”

Flight 6 Old World Classics – A Rioja that is, “Gentle and a real pleasure to drink. Considering the age, this is a steal. VGV” and a Nebbiolo, “Soft and sweet with friendly (non-scary nor extremely tannic) Nebbiolo character. This would be a great introduction to the variety and to Piemonte. VGV.”

The 12 bottle case price is £192.50. Click to join the course and I will email full details of the wines to be purchased.

The six week course starts on Thursday 5th November. 

Don’t worry if you can’t join every week as all of the evenings will be recorded