Three majestic wines

Our wonderful Chairman (on this particular day I think he's particularly wonderful!) has assigned the task of wine buying to myself and a colleague. What fun! And what a wonderful challenge to have. As a company, we have a considerable budget to accommodate the needs of my colleagues - enjoying a post-work drink around the kitchen on a Friday evening - and our clients - for meetings, lunches & dinners, and corporate events.

Majestic arrived with some great wines for us to taste. For me it's extra special to get valuable information and insight from people who are knowledgeable and educated in wine. There were some notable wines worth mentioning - all available at under £10 a bottle:

Gruner Veltliner 2008 Weingut Pfarre Weissenkirchen is an Austrian wine from the Wachau region. I rather liked the balance between the green acidity and the more oily, slightly mineral finish. This is not a wine for everyone, but is definintely worth trying with food, such as pork and oriental and spicy-type dishes.

If you are looking for a Burgundy wine, try for a change the Eikendal Chardonnay 2010/11 from Stellenbosch, South Africa. It is a classic Chardonnay that has been aged for 7 months in French oak. Wines like this encourage me not to rule out Chardonnays - I think this is an elegant wine and is lovely to enjoy around the fire with your book and slippers. Maybe even a pipe for the boys?

Continuing with Burgundy-style varietals, one wine definitely worth trying is the Wither Hills Pinot Noir 2009/10 from Marlborough in New Zealand. Not your French classic, but this medium-weight red has lovely black cherry flavours and a soft smoky finish - or perhaps a hint of cocoa? Fruity yet smooth - no sharp acids, resulting in an elegant wine, perfect to drink straight out the bottle or with a rack of lamb or seasonal game birds. I'm salivating at the very thought!

Majestic wine tasting - Friday 3 Febraury 2012