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Wine Champions Case
Wines included
Duo Des Mers Sauvignon-Viognier, Vin de France 2023
A gem of a wine and a worthy 2024 Wine Champion. As one taster put it, ‘this tasted like the south of France. Characterful, easy to like, cracking value.` So many members turn to this happy union of zingy Gascon sauvignon blanc and fragrant peachy Languedoc viognier for summer refreshment, and it was easy to see why during our blind tastings.
Cuvée Laborie, Pays d'Oc 2023
Uncomplicated charm doesn`t get more charming than this. A popular southern French red and a Wine Champion in 2024, Laborie was given a makeover in 2023 to include some especially good, crunchy syrah fruit. Tasted blind among its peers, it was a resounding hit: ‘So much fruit, juicy and user friendly. Incredible value.`
The Society's French Pinot Noir 2023
Can you still find good under-£10 pinot noir that reflects the character of the prized but famously finickety variety that some call ‘the heartbreak grape`? This cherry-scented southern French favourite proved you can and it was duly voted a Wine Champion for 2024. A ‘sweetly fruited, delicate and very honest` expression, and a marvel for the money.
The Society's Alvarinho, Vinho Verde 2023
Another year, another Wine Champion vintage of this summery, fresh and sophisticated Vinho Verde, showing ‘lovely, fresh, crisp purity with plenty of yellow fruit.` Summer sipping par excellence from a Portuguese standard-bearer .
The Society's Portuguese Red, Península de Setúbal 2023
A 2024 Wine Championship winning combination of plump red and black fruits, juicy refreshment and a price described as ‘madness for this quality` when the winning bottle bag was undone. In a line-up of Portuguese reds that ‘showed what incredible value they are`, this member favourite really stood out.
Jacques Mouton 'Madeleine' Chardonnay, Franschhoek 2023
A serious standout in our 2024 Wine Champions tastings with impressive use of oak` from one of the oldest established farms in South Africa`s Franschhoek valley. This generous, creamy chardonnay will shine with seafood and creamy pasta dishes, and punches well above its weight for the price.