Majestic Wines

Majestic Wines in the UK have a large range...minimum purchase is 6 bottles.
I had chosen 4...and as the others I had wanted were either sold out or had not arrived...I was wandering around the shop...and the two wines below found their way into the box.
To be honest...I chose the white, not for the grape, but for the property name...having just purchased their top Pinot Noir.
Pinot Gris is not high on my list of 'wants'...being able to buy Grüner Veltliners & Rieslings of better quality back home in Germany.
Mount Difficulty Pinot Gris 2008
Central Otago, New Zealand
So...how did it fair?. Pale colour...and I mean pale! If I looked like that in the mirror mornings...I would be worried!
At first it feels like a Prosecco...which would turn me away if it had been....Prosecco is such a non-wine...never been something I would drink.
This is just the initial impression...as with air it started to show itself. Nose was a little tart at first...then pear notes...and a touch of smoke.
Lively acidity, clean...safe...surprisingly has 14% alcohol....
Points 15.5
PS...this was better 2 days later...but I can't open all white wines 3 days in advance!

The above was bottle number 5...and the salesman pointed me in the direction of the red. Special Offer...normally £24.00...down to £16.00.
That was not really the reason to buy...as I am wary of 'bargains'...but he insisted it was worth trying.


Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros 2007
California, U.S.A.
Was he right?...well...all I can say is...I REALLY enjoyed this wine. It is one of those that just please from start to finish. The roast chicken enjoyed it as well. Red Cherries predominate throughout...some spice...even mushrooms...medium-bodied...gentle acidity...soft grainy tannins...touch of sweetness...almost a 'quaffer'...but if so...then a classy 'quaffer'. If I had known...then a few more bottles would have found their way into my car. This could also be drunk on a warm summer evening with Barbecue food...and would please not only experts...but also newcomers to red wine.
Points 17
PS...I am a big fan of the Sopranos. Never watched it at the time (was always on after my bedtime). I am now into the 6th series. One a month so that I can savour it.
Tony Soprano would have liked this California Pinot Noir.