from BRL Hardy TARGET CONSUMER The Grocer's marketing editor Karen Dempsey tackles this cherry-ish offering I am a big fan of red wine and fizz but not normally in the same glass. So it was with some trepidation that I approached this lambrusco-esque concoction. What I discovered was a drink that looks like liquid black cherries and has a frothy topping like cherryade or sherbet when poured. It is startlingly fizzy in the mouth and tastes and smells like cherries, although I can also detect a hint of liquorice. The worst thing about it is the slightly medicinal aftertaste that reminds me of cherry flavoured Tunes throat sweets. I like the idea and it's a shame it tastes foul with food. But I might serve it as a cheeky little aperitif to get a party swinging. Rating out of 25 ­ 15 The expert Sally Easton Master of Wine and wine buyer for Berry Brothers and Rudd This has a medium deep crimson colour with a plummy, liquorice nose. Spicy and red berry flavours follow through on the palate and combine with enough sweetness to balance the tannins of the grape variety. The mousse is soft and reasonably persistent and the body is full and alcoholic, but the wine lacks concentration and complexity. The packaging is consistent with other wines in the Banrock Station range and at £7.99 will sit alongside other New World sparkling wines of more traditional grape variety and colour. With the Banrock label, consumers are sure to make trial purchases. Success rating out of 25 ­ 10 The designer Graham Shearsby Board creative director, graphics, at Design Bridge What have we here then? 21st century lambrusco no less. The understated packaging is distinctive in the glitzy sparkling sector, but does stray into looking like a speciality beer or cider. The brown paper is an attempt to communicate the worthy environmental attitude of the brand. The overall simplicity is good, but attention to detail would improve the package, which leans towards 1980s wholefood worthiness. At a £7.99 premium more elegance is needed. The experience of drinking this heavy duty shiraz not only chilled, but sparkling is bizarre, and a little too pervvy for my tastebuds. Success rating out of 25 ­ 20 The buyer Steve Mayes Category controller at Landmark It's more like the world's strongest alcopop ­ a 14% abv cherry cream soda. It's creamy, fizzy, fruity and alcoholic ­ sounds ideal. It's also versatile enough to break the traditional fizz mould. It is quite good fun. The packaging is simple, unpretentious and unfussy, a rare quality these days. The price is higher than first anticipated but on reflection I think it is good value. Banrock Station is a surprising brand choice to develop a new market but, after consideration, the whole package fits well together. The best part is Banrock's contribution to wildfowl and wetland conservation ­ a great idea. Success rating out of 25 ­ 20 Total score out of 100 ­ 65 {{DRINKS }}

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