Wednesday Wines

Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 313 – An Important Announcement from Jukes Cordialities

I have interrupted the flow of wine news this week for an incredibly important newsflash for Jukes   From the pen of Sacha Lichine, the legendary winemaker and entrepreneur behind Château d’Esclans & Whispering Angel. “Having spent decades in the wine trade, I have recently branched out into artisan spirits with Mezcal Rosaluna and have…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 312 – Haynes Hanson & Clark’s Finest New Releases

Haynes Hanson & Clark (t) 020 7584 7927 www.hhandc.co.uk  The HH&C Spring Tasting is always chock-a-block with beauties.  Here are my absolute favourites, with accompanying ‘one-liners’!  The first price listed is the by-the-bottle price, and the second is the by-the-case price!  Happy drinking. Sparkling NV Crémant de Bourgogne,…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 311 – Palladius by Eben Sadie

Palladius, The Sadie Family Select vintages from 2002 – 2023 I first met Eben Sadie in 1998 when he was working with Charles Back at Spice Route.  A year later, he started his own brand, and South African wine was never the same again.  Somehow, Eben managed to coalesce a group of friends with similar levels of messianic desire and passion…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 310 – 2025 Bordeaux En Primeur from Jean-Pierre Moueix

Edouard Moueix is kind enough to pop over to London each year with his EP samples, so those of us who did not attend the annual Primeurs Week (or, like me, refused to go on a matter of principle – I will explain on another occasion) can taste the wines.  And it was a good lineup.  Peymouton (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru), La Serre (Saint-Émilion Grand…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 309 – 20 Tesco Picks for Spring / Summer 2026

It was the most exciting Tesco Press Tasting I have attended in the last 27 years!  Of course, I am biased, but my own alcohol-free creation, Believe By Jukes (£9), goes live this week in select Tesco stores, so it was overwhelmingly emotional to see my bottle on tasting in the collection.  It was also a buzz to see Believe picked out as one of buyer…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 308 – Lea & Sandeman’s Italian First Fifteen

I attended the recent Italian Tasting at London Indie Specialist Lea & Sandeman.  Here are fifteen sublime, world-class wines, all at super-competitive prices, for you to enjoy this year! WHITE 2025 Cortese, Bricco Bartolomeo, La Colombera, Piemonte (£17.25, reduced to £15.50 each by the case) This is a very clever wine, which uses the Gavi…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 307 – Biondi-Santi Blossoms

Biondi-Santi launches 2019 Riserva with a fascinating retrospective  La Voce Project 5th Edition, The words for the last five years; 2006 = balance; 1983 = wonderment; 2013 = respect; 1988 = elegance and the word Biondi-Santi has selected for 2019 = generations This very estate is recognised as the ‘inventor’ of Brunello di Montalcino, and…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 307 – Stéphane Ogier Mes Grands Lieux vertical, and launch of 2016

I have told Stéphane Ogier’s story many times at tastings over the years, but I never met him until recently, when he came to London to launch 2016 Mes Grands Lieux.  I am a huge fan of the work he has done since taking over from his father back in the late Nineties.  His mission over the last nearly 30 years has been to fine-tune every single…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 306 – 2022 Henschke Single Vineyard Collection

It is always a great pleasure each year to taste the new Henschke Single Vineyard Collection with Stephen, Prue & Justine Henschke.  This year, I tasted the wines on the 27th of February, ahead of the embargo lifting today, Wednesday the 25th of March.  The global launch is on the 6th of May.  Here are my notes. 2022 Henschke, Cyril Henschke,…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 305 – 100 Best Australian Wines 2026 LAUNCH EVENT

I will report on all five 100 Best Australian Wines 2026 Festivals when they are delivered.  In the meantime, I am reflecting on the largest single event I have ever hosted. LONDON - TATE MODERN The Honourable Jay Weatherill AO High Commissioner, his wife Mel, and Deputy HC Elisabeth Bowes In the 22nd year of 100 Best Australian Wines, my Festival…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 304 – Bolgheri Beauties & Other Musings

2023 Ornellaia was released yesterday to much fanfare.  Various wine writers have praised this wine greatly, with scores ranging from 96-98/100.  It is being called ‘the most affordable 98-point Ornellaia on the market’.  The release price is (just) £848 per 6 bottles in bond, down from last year’s £925 per 6 bottles in bond.  The last time…
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Matthew Jukes -Articles- Wednesday Wines

Wednesday Wines – Episode 303 – Ten Vintages of DRC, featuring the newly-released 2023s

Ten vintages of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti www.corneyandbarrow.com 2023s from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (tasted 3rd of February 2026) Bertrand de Villaine, Perrine Fenal & Adam Brett-Smith There is no doubt that 2023 will be regarded as a fascinating vintage for DRC.  I certainly found much to admire, even though one might have downgraded…
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