Expert's verdict... 6/10 ?A novel idea and a crisp Cabernet Sauvignon with lots of blackberry and vanilla. The Vins de Pays market is enjoying something of a rejuvenation at present. However, I am not sure that the absence of a strong on-pack brand heritage is going to deliver this launch quite the volume that the wine itself merits for what is a good value price. John Taylor, head of buying, impulse, MBL Consumer verdict... 7/10 ?This is a novel concept, as birthday cards cost £3 these days anyway, so an extra couple of quid for a personalised bottle of drinkable wine is a brilliant idea. I do think, though, that the packaging is a little plain for a gift and I don't think it would stand out on shelf. Perhaps a different shaped bottle or a grander label may give it a bit more of a 'wow' factor. The wine itself wasn't spectacular but was robust and drinkable and overall it is decent value at £4.99. Kate Magee, journalist, London A year down the line... jacobsen Company: Carlsberg Launch Price: £3.29 to £3.49 Today's price: £3.29 to £3.49 ACID TEST VERDICT: 4.5/5 Sales of Carlsberg's Jacobsen range in the UK have been "consistent but not dynamic" in the past 12 months, selling 200 hectolitres a week in key customers at peak. The bottle won the Danish Design Prize in April for its branding. Named after the Carlsberg founder, the range is now listed in Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Waitrose as well as on-trade outlets. In 2008 the focus for the two launch products, Bramley Wit and Saaz Blonde, will be the benefits of drinking beer with food.

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