My introduction to the McGuigan Wine range was consequential to the Coronavirus pandemic. Like many people we rushed to the Supermarket and panic bought food and supplies in March 2020, once the Government announced a lockdown of unknown duration. Having unloaded beans, spaghetti, rice, and other sundries we realised that we risked running out of wine, should the lockdown extend beyond a month, and confinement within our small flat suddenly seemed more frightening than ever. Now as regular partakers of the fermented grape we were in somewhat of a quandary. Did we risk returning to the Supermarket to replenish our diminishing stock, or was there an alternative? The home computer was switched on, and I browsed the Net whilst considered our options. We wanted some good wine, but not overly expensive. With a plethora of wine merchants to choose from we were spoilt for choice, and settled on Amazon. A few days later a courier arrived with three boxes of wine and amusingly for the first time in 50 years I was asked for proof of age. Presenting my driving licence to a young man at least 30 years my junior amused me, and my sense of humour improved as I unpacked my boxes, and a sense of serenity descended. Even before the first bottle was opened, I experienced a feeling of tranquillity, and contentment knowing that we had a good supply of good wine to enjoy during our incarceration. Like a child at Christmas overwhelmed by toys, and not sure which one to play with, I was in a quandary as to which wine to try first. Such was my enthusiasm to establish which of the ‘Reds’ was the better we committed ourselves to trying them all in quick succession. I have never taken to the idea of swirling wine around my mouth and spitting it out, and so I didn’t, and neither did my wife. McGuigan Black Label Red was our first experience of the McGuigan range of Reds, and since then we have also tried the McGuigan Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Reserve’ and the McGuigan Shiraz ‘Reserve’. I quite like the McGuigan Chardonnay which is lighter than the Reds and more suited to summer BBQs McGuigan Black Label Red is not the best wine I have ever tasted, although in my mind it comes close, but in the £6 to £10 price range of wines it most certainly good value, and is currently my favourite wine at the moment. If I were ever limited to just one wine label it would be the Black Label Red. I have overheard so called ‘Wine Experts’ decry ‘Blends’ arguing that the wine is neither one thing, nor another, well in regard to Black Label Red I totally disagree. To me it tastes like a fine Shiraz, which has been fine turned to present the very best of fruit flavours. The label will tell you that it has the great fruit flavours of spicy plum, cherry, and blackberry. Perhaps a wine connoisseur can distinguish the plum, from the cherry, or blackberry, but for me it’s the combination of all three, that gives it the taste I enjoy so much. There is a lovely piece of advice within the advertising blur for this wine which reads, ‘Recommended Storage - This wine can be drunk now but will further improve if carefully stored for up to 2 years’ That’s never going to happen, it’s too nice to leave lying around. So, what can I tell you about the McGuigan Black Label Red? It’s from Southeastern Australia. McGuigan Wines were named international winemaker of the year four times in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2016. It contains Sulphites. That pesky preservative used to maintain the flavour and freshness of wine, and lots of other products, so there’s no escaping them. Apparently, sulphites are associated with wine-induced headaches. Personally, this wine hasn’t given me any headaches, but I do feel quite groggy in the morning after a bottle, although they might have something to do with the hard cheeses I love to nibble when partaking of a glass or two. It’s a screw top, which is great because it means I can replace the top on the second bottle opened, if the mood takes me. (Very rarely). Alcohol Volume Percentage 12.5 Alcohol Content Units 9.4 Storage Type Ambient Bottom Line – I maintain a regular store of this wine and although I try other wines this remains my favourite.
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Wine taste will always be a very subjective topic, however, my personal preference is towards Shiraz red wines and this one for the price it has, is a really good wine although, it is a mix of red grape varieties. It is medium-to-light bodied, not sweet, not too much alcohol (12.5%), has some nice fruity notes and is just right to pair with some red meats or just drink it on its own. Also, as opposed to other similarly priced wines, this one doesn’t have that much sediment at the bottom as others. All in all, a good wine and better than some more expensive, established brands.
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Very nice plum flavour warm and bodied. I would buy another, maybe between 2 of you I would get 2 bottles. With a chicken parmo or a stew, or a nice korma. Feels and taste more like a £12 bottle than half that. Excellent quality.
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I couldn't wait to crack this open when I received this, it hinted of great promise. With it simply being called 'red', I had slight concerns or would be like the cheap French table wines that make your toes curl with the harsh, dry and acid notes. I also wondered if this would be alternatively too mild on the palate due to the relatively low alcohol content (for a red wine). What we found, by verdict, is a wine which is sweeter than a dry wine, almost a medium sweetness. It's a delicious shade of crimson and has a great flavour; a little fruity, but not excessively so, and with enough complexities in the flavour to make every mouthful enjoyable. To us, it seems more like a 13.5% wine; it certainly doesn't seem to be the 12.5% that it actually is, if that makes sense. It's also smooth and a little rich. It's not so much as easy drinking wine, as the sort of wine I enjoy curling up with infront of a roaring fire on a cold evening. To be enjoyed slowly. We think this is glorious for the price.
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Nice taste and exceptionaly good value for the money, ideal for meals or for having a relaxing drink after a hard day best served at room temperature.
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some would probably consider it a bit bland, but i do like it. very easy to drink, no sharp or unpleasant fflavour during or after, just goes down well. one of those wines that was actually cheaper to buy 6 individual bottles, than to buy the case of 6 that is also available. :) well it was when i bought the last dozen or so! :)
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If you love red wine then this is one of the best on the market and price reasonable for box or 6
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I've brought this wine to try both for cooking and just as a relaxing drink it was good value and taste's ok
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Bought it many times cos the wine is cheaper than many other brands and taste like expensive wine. Nice!
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Smooth and easy to drink red wine Hint of cherry and no body after taste Good value
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