http://www.waitrosewine.com/

Lovely !

A job for you Goose, you've been uncharacteristically subdued recently !

Evaluate this lot. Excluding the JE

http://www.waitrosewine.com/Shopping/Pr ... gnon+Blanc

The Reach 2008.

I've just finished a 2nd bottle, it is good value for sure- however Goose, it is not identical, and I am at odds with your last comments.
Granted, it is a gallant effort, the primary flavour is similar, but with reduced pungency. After that, it falls into the same 2008 vein as all other sub £10 Malborough's.
The secondary does not keep that ripe streak of Lychee and mango running right on through to the end.
The mouth feel is refreshing, but does not round out to a quaint and comfortable finish. With the 2007, the ripeness was so beautifully bouyant on the acidity - perfectly balanced for the style.
The 2nd half of the palate is angular, one/two dimensional. whilst the 2007 danced on the tongue with a multi tropical note daintyness that was so pleasing as an apperatif.

In my opinion, these are the differences that highlight the difference between a 2.5 star versus a 4 star vintage, and are particularly relevant for wines in a certain affordable price band.

I'd agree that the 2008 is probably more suitable with Dover Sole, Place, Salmon, whilst the 2007 was delightful with delicate vegetarian starters.

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Duncan

Hello Dunc,

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the 2008 as much as the 07. The last two bottles I had were very enjoyable and in a blind tasting I doubt if I could have told them apart from the 07. You obviously have a far more educated palate than me even when it comes to subtle differences in my own favourite grape.

As for the Waitrose Marlboroughs.....The only wine that would tempt me is the Isabel estate which like the JE seems to get better after about 12 to 15 months in the bottle.

The new Wither Hills is quite nice though and a lot of people rate The Ned as the bees knees. It's ok. Nothing special. I avoid all bar Villa Maria's very best wines.

I bought some Loires. The Vacheron and one of the Henry Pelle Menetou Salons ( I think MS is the world's best kept sauvigon secret ). They are getting pricey though.

Im a fan of The Ned too although I have not tried the '07, I read a comment recently that suggested it was very sweet.

I like the Stonleigh, luv the Pinot Noir.

Hi Goose, I definitely don't have "far more educated palate than me" It changes, and my memory can be faulty.... Damnit ! But being a relative newbie to Malborough analysis - I may retain favourites - because there is a smaller data base in my head on which comparisons can be made.

Isabell - Yeah, I'm very curious also. I marked that one out.

The Ned 2008 is not such a big deal, took some from Majestic when it was 30% off.
Never tried the 2007, on which The Ned fans and their fave blogs appear to have based the opinion. I bought the Ned as part of a dozen top-up after shelling out for Saint Clair at the time. Totally agree about VM's top boutique vineyards which are pretty dear now.

We are in accord on that lot.

I shall look at Loire again - Vacheron of course, and Monsier Henri Pelle are most reputable for quality at the price.

Waitrose in the Stores, are offering 4 for 3 on all wines, the cheapest if you mix will be free.

Of the 2007 Sancerre, JM Reverdy's Domaine Des Cottereaux from Laithwaite's was bloody lovely, but Les Ruettes 2007 from M&S (CVS Sancerre Co-Op) was not as described on the back of the bottle label. Same blasted label as used for 2005 I suspect.....It was NOT a particularly ripe and fruity and tangey example - it was a tad flabby and a bit dull, but tasted of Sancerre.


Edited Saturday 6th June.

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Duncan