Just tasted, blind, a load of MSB and one Nelson.

Details to follow late tomorrow, but

1st The Reach 08 (MJ 1st)
2nd Asda's Extra Special 08 (I know, me too) (MJ J3rd)
3rd Co-op Explorers 09 (MJ J3rd)
4th Southbank 09 (MJ J3rd)
5th JE 09 (sorry) (MJ J3rd)
6th Waimea 08 (MJ 2nd)
7th The Ned 08 (MJ J last)
Last Sains Ttd 08 (MJ J last)

Six of us tasting, but my order was as per brackets. I had a lot of joint 3rds, but made up of different marks for taste, aroma, etc.

May not brush teeth tonight, as feeling quite bracing of mouth.

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mel

Even as a complete amateur, I am somewhat worried over those vintages. Everything of which I am partaking from S of the equator is now '09. I do like the "Reach" but it's not on offer recently.

Yes, these are samples submitted in Jan, but snowed off and so I was worried about the 08s. Will write them up, but I agree with you.

Nothing tasted OTT.

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mel

Aha Mel, for a bit of sport, gum sheilds in the ring not necessary for this:_

You could have put them up on the page, and asked us to vote, before revealing your team's opinions.

AES unknown here, cos Asda is a long way off.

Paying attention to vintage, rather than brand, nothing unexpected here for your positions.

Vavasour's, the top doggy is right, this wine better tho on the '07 ( and on my faves drunk '09 list)
Nelson at no.2 is IWC bronge, I'd have gone with that for the '08, reported as an easier season there.

The Ned 08 - chagrin, didn't make it here at all. From mid 2009 memory, a sorta sickly sweetness added - not great.

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Duncan

The Ned 08 - little on the nose. Alan smelt pond water, but I couldn't find it. Watery taste. It's just dry white wine. Karen said she wouldn't have been sure it was even Sauvignon. I would, but would've had to think hard. I have the bottle here and will have another try tonight.

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mel