Master of Wine and wine director of Hatch Mansfield Unlike many people, I don't mind the slightly off-the-wall bottle, and the collarette will draw attention. The wine is better than I was expecting, having a clean, fresh, fruity aroma and a dry balanced palate that finishes well without being at all complex or thought provoking, so it needs to be cheap. Ten years ago, most French white wines at £3.49 were pretty nasty, so progress is being made. It could, perhaps, do with a little more acidity to retain the freshness, but this is pretty good value for money and will help revive the French category when on promotion at £2.99 Rating out of 25 ­ 17 Gary McCall Managing director of Poulter Partners As this is a new wine to the UK market, the designer of the introductory collarette has clearly recognised the need to add some colour and vitality, but its design does jar with the overall package. The subtle colours of the labelling, similar to those for so many French wines, seem to reflect a premium positioning incongruous with its mainstream price point. The only point of difference, and even that is not unique, is the cognac shaped bottle. Once the launch period has finished and the collarette disappears, this Colombard Chardonnay is in danger of becoming part of the wallpaper that is the bland French white fixture. Rating out of 25 ­ 10 Carol Du Cann Senior buyer (beers, wines and spirits) at Alldays A bottle shape you probably either like because it is unusual and traditional looking, or hate because it looks naff. It will certainly stand out on the shelf. I would have preferred a more exciting label, but the emphasis on the grape varieties rather than geographical origin will help it sell. The wine has a surprisingly aromatic nose ­ very floral. It tastes initially sweet, then more dry, but overall it is a very pleasant and drinkable wine. It tasted better than I had expected. At this price point, the wine represents good value for money and, with the right margins and consistent support package, it should do well. Rating out of 25 ­ 17 Total score out of 100 ­ 60 {{DRINKS }}

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