Black Friday Deals

Today is the American retail phenomenon that is Black Friday. Originally it was created to kick start the festive shopping season with great deals and offers at a time that would otherwise fall slightly stale in the retail world. Every year it seems to become more and more prominent over here in Britain and this year it seems as though there is no avoiding it. So if you can't beat them, pick up some great wine bargains!.. No reviews here (I'm sure they will follow), but I've just spent a few hours trawling the various online Black Friday wine deals to see what I can find. I'd heard big things about a Black Friday wine sale on Amazon, but when looking through the wines they seemed overpriced to begin with for the most part and didn't receive very good reviews. Here are my pick of the best:

Majestic:

Majestic are offering 33% off if you buy two bottles or more - bearing in mind that they usually offer 25% and there are often deals of 33% or higher, this isn't as epic as it sounds. To add to my disappointment, their focus this Black Friday is Sauvignon Blanc, which you may have guessed I'm not a huge fan of. On the plus side, their red offering is Rioja! It was no great surprise that the majority of wines on offer were from the 'lesser' vingtages of recent years - 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011. What I was really looking for was a nice, fruity, bold 2010 and if I was really lucky, a 2004/2005 Gran Reserva - well I never...

Rioja Reserva Seleccion Especial 2010 Muga - £16.66 - save £8.34

Stephen Tanzer (93), Wine Spectator (91), World Decanter Bronze

Rioja Reserva Vina Ardanza 2005 - £15.99 - save £8.01

Stephen Tanzer (92), Wine Spectator (92)

Bodegas Vina Eguia Gran Reserva 2004 - £8.99 - save £4.50

International Wine Challenge Silver

Despite what I said about Sauvignon earlier, I also couldn't resist giving these two a go:

Saint Clair Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 - £16.66 - save £8.34

Bob Campbell (94), Wine Spectator (92), Wine Enthusiast (92)

A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2012 - £10.65 - save £5.34 (37.5cl)

Ocado:

Some of these deals were a bit high-end, but the savings were staggering. Don't forget that you also get £20 off your first shop with Ocado (if you spend over £80). 

Jacobs Creek Steingarten Riesling 2011 - £10.86 - save £5.43

James Halliday (95), Jancis Robinson (16)

Tattinger Comtes de Champagne 2000 - £79.99 - save £50.00

Wine Spectator (94), Robert Parker (96), Jancis Robinson (18)

Krug Vintage 2000 - £150.00 - save £75.00

Stephen Tanzer (95), Wine Spectator (95), Jancis Robinson (19)

Dom Perignon Rose Champagne 2000 - £175.00 - save £100.00

Robert Parker (96), Wine Enthusiast (94), Jancis Robinson (18)

Asda:

Back down to Earth. That's right, Asda - they've been making waves with their Extra Special range and a couple of them are included in the 6 for £25 offer this weekend. One of my favourite "everyday" Riojas was also included for less than half price. I'll be taking three of each of these beauties. Result!

Campo Viejo Tempranillo 2012 - save £4.33

Extra Special Viognier 2013 - save £3.33

International Wine Challenge Bronze, Decanter Bronze

There are of course lots more of the "usual" great deals to be had this Black Friday weekend, let me know if you find any more worth mentioning!