This is what Mel said of the 2004

MLB 2004

This was a bargain when I picked up 4 of these at Majestic, my local had to acquire them for me. 4 was difficult to find.

This cuvee' is Shiraz, Cab, Merlot made by Bruce Jack in the Western Cape, SA.

Very impressed with this, when opened, even at cellar temperature the wine is beautifully silky, great mouth feel, the cab is more dominant when cooler. When open for 20 hours the Shiraz kicks in with the full coffee and choc hit and a Merlot earthy and ripe wild blackberry flavour. I did not detect the coconut that Mel found, but there was a mint nuance as well as the full mocha flavour reveals itself...(dark choc Bendics without any artificial candy sweetness).

A super wine, and one of the real & proper bargains for 2009.
Based on open bottle development, I'm going to give this more laying down time - to see where it goes. I can tell that this wine will settle out and throw a stain inside. When that happens, we can expect a dark ruby magenta gemstone appearance (as expensive claret) and it could be a real star, and a big name knocker in my book.

No hessitation for quality at the offer price (18.99 at Tesco's before was too optimistic).

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Duncan

We discussed the 2005 here http://ccgi.quaffersoffers.co.uk/QOforu ... php?t=4945

(and we paid 6.99

Good Stuff Pontac:-

Yep, when I went to pick up my MLB, Maj also wanted £9.99.
Your £7 pound deal was an extra special deal - Launch week ? Maj got mine in for me, but when I went into the branch to collect, they could only provide 4 bottles. I had forgotten that I'd asked them to locate 8 on the phone.

People read your report Pontac, and nipped in to Majestic and cleaned up before me

Further:

Many thanks for the Saint Clair information, I think there is a big step up, to the P. Blocks from basic at Saint Clair. Also, thanks for letting us know that NZ is awash with SB. The scenario does explain the Nobilo type rubbish @ dirt cheap prices, it also explains the frequency of offers on the higher quality marques.
I may wait a tad before re-stocking

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Duncan

I was talking to one winemaker in Nelson who had boughtseveral huge stainless steel tanks to rent out to wineries that needed to store excess SB. Wineries needed to clearout their own tanks for the new vintage.

There are literally miles and miles and miles of brand new vineyards in Marlborough, pushing right back up theneck of the valley. Some have been planted, others look like they are waiting.

While top wines will always be in demand it is hard to see how NZ wines can keep their price differential. If they don;t sell it they'llhave to pour it away.

I reckon some of the SB vines will be grafted over to Pinot Gris or Riesling