tasted our Christmas Reds last night and our favourite wine, despite having several at ?15 to ?20, was Muriel Gran Reserva Rioja 1996 (!), which is in the Co-op for ?9.99, reduced to ?5.99 until 1st Jan. you also get 5% off for 6 bottles, of course. it was beautifully american oak scented without being too coconutty and very very smooth and velvety in the mouth. however, this was balanced by fresh red fruits. really a vg wine indeed.

just a word of warning, they also do the straight Reserva 1998, which is ?7.99 normal price. the gran reserva is in xgold netting.

tasted 30/11/05 WHICH IS A LONG TIME AGO. DON'T GO OUT AND BUY CASES OF IT UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM ME THAT IT'S SAFE......

YES, IT IS SAFE, BUT NOT AS ASTONISHINGLY FAB AS I REMEMBER IT. STILL DEFINITELY WORTH ?5.99 AND IF YOU BUY A CASE YOU GET 10% OFF (5% FOR 6) WHICH BRINGS THE PRICE DOWN NICELY.

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mel