Shiraz 50%, Merlot 32%, Cabernet Sauvignon 18%.

Very dark colour and quite traditional and elegant wine, not at all what you might expect from a South African wine. Blackfruits, plenty of spice and reasonable structure. The merlot seemed to dominate.

Not sure what the normal retail price is, but at £6.99 you'll be pushed to find a better classic red blend, or at least one that's ready for dinking now.

Wizzy - Thanks for reviewing that wine.

I was intrigued, I suppose I side stepped it because I'm never sure that Syrah (shiraz) spice is in harmony with Cab and Merlot mixes. Odd that Merlot seemed to dominate this one ? I wonder if it was on a vigorous Carmierre stock ? Cape shiraz is a little different I suspect.

I remember buying that diabolical Hardy's Crest shiraz mix some years ago, before they discounted it to death because it is yuk - and it was diabolical.

Normally, down under OZ shiraz dominates and clashes with Cab....Well at least to this rather old fashioned palate anyway. I like a dash of purple Petit Verdot with firm Cab S and easing-out Merlot. Lindeman's use to make a juicy claret clone way back that was good - but they have been taken over by the big boys.

Cheers for the tasting note. I note that Majestic have none on their web site at the mo, the wine has been removed from the look-up file.
So folks wanting to try Mary le Bow, will need to rifle through the stores.

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Duncan

The blends vary year to year and Majestic are stocking at least 2 vintages. The blend you mention is for the 2005.

The 06 vintage is quite different, with Cab S taking the main postion -- Cab S, Shiraz, Merlot, Cab Franc.

The 05 is very tasty, extra pleasure gained from the price as the last time I bought Mary le Bow I got the 2003 at the then bargain price of £16 from Wine Soc It had previously been £17.99 in Tesco. It was later in Morrisons also at £16

£6.99 is a good price for it.

Sorry - the review is for the 2005.

Don't worry too much about new world blends with this one Duncan, in a blind tasting I don't think many people would place this south of the equator.

The warmth and and plenty of flavour come through, however it's a classical wine with no fruit juice evident.

The 2006 is delicious. Ripe sweet fruit, big bodied wine. Lovely stuff at the price.

Wizzy and Pontac

Thank you for the notes for 2005 and 2006 vintages. Cheers

Majestic are able to track down 8 bottles from other stores in the South.
These will be the 2005 blend. I shall probably take 6, although the 2006 vintage Cab S blend would have been my 1st natural choice - I think. There is no 2006 left.

Off topic: But this is all about getting The Last of the Last

I've also ordered JE Vintage 2007 MSB for £6.99 this is also the last of what can be found in Majestic southern areas. When enjoyed two weeks ago it still exhibited a youthfull "pettillante" so amazingly fresh still, but now, a little less pungent, yet superior mouth feel. Brilliant for the dosh

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Duncan