Cheap or Expensive? Tasting June 2025

Pairing 1 – Chenin Blanc

Mulderbosch, ‘Steen Op Hout’ Chenin Blanc 2022
Stellenbosch, South Africa
ABV 13.5%
A vibrant and lifted expression of Chenin Blanc. Aromas of green fig, stone fruit and green fig are underpinned by flint and earthy spice. The palate shows finesse and balance, with a lively, refreshing finish.
Symposium £14.50

Domaine Huet, Vouvray Demi-Sec Clos du Bourg, 2022
The Loire, France
ABV 13%
Classic demi-sec from this Loire appellation’s most famous producer and a magical single vineyard. Still young and vigorous, enjoy now in the freshness of youth or wait a few years for greater complexity to come.
The Wine Society £40

The group was evenly split as to which they preferred; however it was generally felt that the Vouvray was a bit overpriced.

Pairing 2 – Assyrtiko

Lyrarakis Assyrtiko 2023
Crete, Greece
ABV 13.5%
Take a sip, and you’ll see exactly why Assyrtiko’s known as Crete’s answer to Chablis. Bone dry. Fresh. Aromatic. This is a perfect first step into the world of Greek wine. Discover wild aromas of meadow flower and yellow orchard fruit, backed by a heavy dose of minerality. Divine with oysters. Citrus and floral aromas with sweet apple and peach. Full bodied with crisp acidity and mineral finish.
Majestic £13.00

Gaia Wines, ‘Thalassitis’, Santorini, Assyrtiko 2023
Santorini, Greece
ABV 13%
A bone dry wine, with an explosive mineral core surrounded by delicate notes of fresh
lemon zest and floral hints. Refreshing with a crisp, mineral finish.
Symposium £35

The group nearly all preferred the Gaia Santorini version but was split on whether the difference was sufficient to justify the price spread

Pairing 3 – Pinot Noir

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2022
Pfalz, Germany
ABV 13.0%
Ernst Loosen, legend of the Mosel Valley, has bought some land in the warmer Pfalz region in the south, where he makes a brilliant range of dry, crisp, modern, international-style reds at thoroughly commercial prices. Very pure fruit, fresh, creamy width, with excellent balance. This pinot is light, clean, with lovely nose and bright, juicy palate. Can drink chilled in the summer of you wish. In 1996, Ernst Loosen took over the J.L. Wolf winery in the Pfalz region, which has been rich in tradition since 1756. Villa Wolf is a country villa in the Italian style, unique in its design, which was completed in 1843 according to plans by the Karlsruhe architect Friedrich Eisenlohr.
Quaff £14.99

Domaine Chanson, Pernand Vergelesses Premier Cru ‘Les Vergelesses’ 2018
Burgundy, France
ABV 14%
This comes from Chansons own 5ha vineyard which is at the bottom of the cru where there is more clay soil. This soil type, which is cool and retains water, performed well in the warm 2018 vintage in Burgundy and the wine has a very deep colour and a rich and powerful palate, yet is not heavy. The Wine Society £33

Nearly everybody preferred the Burgundy and several said that in this case they would pay the extra.

Pairing 4 – Syrah / Shiraz

Corryton Burge Shiraz 2022
Barossa Valley, Australia ABV 14.0% Deep ruby red with purple hues, strawberry, raspberry and vanilla aromas. Rich fruit forward characters of raspberry and plums tantalise the palate. There is a soft toasty oak influence that enhances the vanilla and spice. Subtle tannins leave the palate quite moreish and a delight to keep coming back to. The Burge family name is synonymous with the Australian wine industry. The launch of Corryton Burge by the 6th Generation Brother and Sister duo; Trent and Amelia Burge is the next step in the family’s winemaking journey. Quaff £13.49

Paul Jaboulet Aîné , Saint-Joseph ‘La Croix des Vignes’, 2020
Northern Rhone, France ABV 15% A densely packed Saint-Joseph from Jaboulets own vineyards around Mauves and Tournon. Very black and concentrated.
The Wine Society £38

This was the only instance where a majority preferred the cheaper wine – the Aussie Shiraz being more popular than the more expensive Rhone version

Served with four cheeses and a range of biscuits / crackers