Master of Wine and wine director of Hatch Mansfield Long Mountain is achieving reasonable distribution with its other branded varieties and I think this new offering will strengthen the brand's offering. Despite having the hallmark of many South African wines of being slightly green on the nose yet jammy on the palate, there is also an attractive spiciness here that gives the wine a little complexity and interest. It is medium bodied with highish acidity and a very soft finish that makes it approachable already. This is good quaffable unpretentious stuff that offers good value at £4.99 and excellent value at £3.99, which will presumably be the promotional price. Rating out of 25 ­ 18 Gary McCall Managing director of Poulter Partners Reviewing Long Mountain Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon in a positive light is not easy. Although the bottle and labelling are well presented I have to admit that I struggle to find a single point of difference. Every aspect of the design smacks of convention and there seems to be a complete lack of imagination, which is a real shame as generally New World wines have a good track record. So similar is the design to other reds on the shelf you would have to work pretty hard to pick it out from the clutter, even if you knew what you were looking for. For its sake I hope the taste is a little more distinctive. Rating out of 25 ­ 10 Carol Du Cann Senior buyer (beers, wines and spirits) at Alldays A plain looking label and bottle, but it does clearly state what it is and where it comes from. The wine is an attractive ruby colour and has a fruity nose with a hint of spice. It tastes smooth and well balanced with the berry fruit flavours complemented by soft tannins. Interestingly, this wine on the nose and palate reminds me of a Beaujolais Nouveau! At £4.99 I think this represents good value for money and the two varietals are a proven blend. Given the right brand and margin support, combined with the necessary strong promotional activity, this wine should do well. Rating out of 25 ­ 18 Total score out of 100 ­ 62 {{DRINKS }}

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