Yep, the new 2013 vintage available from my nearest large Co-Op store for only £7. I think this is a till glitch, as the bar code may be the same as the clearance 2012 stock.

A very young wine, and too early for consuming this VM cellar selection '13 sauvignon blanc. On 1st opening the flavour of the wine is masked by a sherbet petillante' (spritz) and you can't really tell. Confusing.

2nd day and the flavour moves into the right MSB direction dramatically. The nose is a blackcurrant leaf / pink grapefruit zest pungency that is typical for VMCS.

3rd day, and the wine drinks more like Villa Maria CS, a pretty light style, with good primary flavours. More put-together, more harmony, deeper flavour. Lychee and other tropical fruit notes are not appearing, light boxwood and salad green peppers are coming up.

Too early for me to say if this vintage hits our bench mark. (BM = 90+)

At the Co-Op price, remarkable value

nb, on this bottle, the srewcap has been improved, more grip to crack, last year a child could easily have opened the wine

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Duncan

My 3 were all '12 s, and a bit disappointing. Will have a look for some '13 s and the secret bubbly.

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

I'm a big fan of the 2012, so am surprised to hear you're disappointed with it
I'm even more surprised that you've consumed all your bottles already (based on your past tense description)
I got a couple of 12s at the discounted rate but mainly it's 13s on the shelves now of which I have half a dozen

I have to say that co-op has been my go to seller for 2013 so far with the exception of the odd bottle here and there at Tesco
Still looks to be a lot of wine in co-op with "D" or "Del" on the shelf labels that I'm hoping will drop in price from their original rrp. If so I'll be stocking the "cellar" even more

Ptsshhh..not very well put. Only had one (of this batch) so it might have been a 'rogue' bottle. Was also a bit off-colour so it might have been me.
When my gills and fins are fully developed I'll still be after some '13 s

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Four wheels move the body - 2 wheels move the soul.

A Co-op near me has had 'Del' on the shelf label of its stock of St Hallett Faith Shiraz for around six months. I check it everytime I go in there, I dont think they've sold a single bottle in this time (I have scraped the corner of one of the labels, its still there at the front).

I love this wine, hope I get to it first if it ever does get seriously reduced, I will clear the shelf in a heartbeat.

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Yep, Im still here.

My locals have the Faith currently reduced from 10.99 to 9
I nearly picked up a bottle the other day but figured there was no rush for a £2 discount
I'll keep an eye on it my side too

There are a lot of Del labels in stores that are still asking full whack for the wine (I've got my eye on ch Bellegrave grand cru class & a pagos Ribera del Duero in the fine wine sections)

Lots of Ch Bonnat currently floating around for £7 in a couple of stores. I picked up a 2005 & a couple of 2008 despite the mediocre score I previously gave the 2008

Gk, go check your co-op. Faith Shiraz is £7.81 in my store now
2008, 2009 & 2011 vintages available

Cheers, on my way...

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Yep, Im still here.

You have a gem of a Co-Op store there, Shez.

The Ch. Le Bonnat 2008 was consumed on Sunday and Monday. The wine did not offend, nor did it excite. Rather odd, in as much that the first half glass was softer and more fleshy, but as the evening progressed, the wine became harder ! The fruit receeding. The next day was OK claret drinking.

Contrary to vintage, I think I preferred the '06 Bonnat in the end.

I haven't seen any Chateau Belgrave, Haut Medoc 5th growth in my store, how much did they want for it ? And which vintage ?

A drop of Faith could be welcome around here as well - don't know it ?
Cheers

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Duncan

I've seen the Belgrave in a few stores now. Mainly 2006 vintage and the odd 2004 I think
All stores still asking £24.99 however so I'm not tempted at that price
Likewise Pago de Los Capellanes 2009 Crianza is on the offer stand in one store but still retailing at full price of £17.99

Sounds like your experience with the 2008 Le Bonnat was the same as mine
I've got the one bottle left. Not sure whether to drink, hold or take it back to the store

The Faith Shiraz has been purchased on GK 's sayso.

No Faith for me, three stores, all at full price.

Hope you like it Shez, its certainly my style, concentrated sweet fruit, chocolate and jam, not everyones preference.

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Yep, Im still here.

Sorry to hear that Graham
When I get round to giving it a go I'll let you know what I think (seem to have picked up some wines recently that I think need drinking sooner and at the same time have cut back on weekly wine consumption lately)
What sort of vintage have you tried in the past ? I'm guessing you may prefer the more youthful 2011 than 2008 ?

No Faith for me, three stores, all at full price.

Hope you like it Shez, its certainly my style, concentrated sweet fruit, chocolate and jam....

Gawd blimey, Scrooge....if you love it buy it.

Gosh, thanks, I hadnt thought of that.

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Yep, Im still here.

I have the '08 at home, have not seen the '11 around these parts.

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Yep, Im still here.