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May report now on line

Our big multiple retailers this month operate at opposite ends of the high street - Aldi and Marks & Spencer - but we also take a look at some unusual new lines in The Wine Society's portfolio and focus on a bunch of independent merchants including Bibendum, Jascots, Bordeaux Index and Dudley & de Fleury. For lovers of fizz, we also zoom in on vintage Champagne and we suggest some perfect wines to toast the Diamond Jubilee.

Top Scoring Wines for May

A truly superb Barolo from the 2007 vintage was our chart-topper this month, and amongst a clutch of less expensive wines we highlight an unusual white wine from Madrid that amassed 92-points for less than £14.

top wines for May 2012Massolino Barolo Margheria 2007
Barolo (Piedmont), Italy, Dry Red (Cork), 14.5% abv.

Undeniable guts and power of fruit, tar and smoke, but there's an elegant fragrance to it as well, like rose and mint tea, a trait that comes through initially on the palate and gives way to meaty power and depth of fruit, albeit never losing that sense of elegance on the firm and long finish. £545.00 per dozen at Bordeaux Index. Find on wine-searcher.com

Bodegas Bernabeleva Navaherreros Blanco 2009
Madrid, Spain, Dry White (Zork), 14.0% abv

Almonds, oatmeal and rosy red apples in a nose that is creamy, fruity and bright but not too forward. Similar on the palate, this is tight and Burgundian, the saline touch and creaminess to the cool fruit deliciously focused and long, with ground almond and a mineral precision in the finish. £13.65 at All About Wine (Sevenoaks). Find on wine-searcher.com

The Wine Gang May News

A Case of Wine to be Won Every Month with Wines of Southwest France

In association with the Wines of South West France, The Wine Gang is delighted to be holding a members-only prize draw each month, giving one member of the Gang the chance to win a fabulous, six-bottle selection of wines worth approximately £100 from classic South West regions. Read more.

Our Fantastic Christmas Fairs, coming your way in November

We are so excited by the exhibitors, wines and amazing masterclasses being lined up for our fabulous Christmas Wine Fairs in Bath, Edinburgh and London later this year. Earlybird tickets will be going on sale soon, so why not Register your interest now to be first to hear all the details?

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May's report now online:

The Wine Society, Marks & Spencer - Part II, Dudley & de Fleury, Aldi, Bibendum part II, SITT, Jascots, Bordeaux Index Piedmont, Ten vintage Champagnes. Read more

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