There is loads of prejudice when the brand Hardys is mentioned. Wine buffs scowl.

So is this just ill founded pompous brand envy?

Hardys is one of many 'brands' owned by Constellation Brands who supply a staggering 15% of all booze drunk in the UK. Amongst their offerings Hardys is incredibly popular in the UK.

So there must be something about the wine that people like? Surely you should not write off a bottle or brand without even trying the stuff?

So bring in Hardys Nottage Hill Cabernet Shiraz at around £7.00 a bottle, a discovery after the festive storm had passed, quietly and patiently waiting its turn in my wine cellar.

The packaging is slick. 'The brand is strong in you' says a little green creature hovering over its tall shoulders. It is unmissable on the shelves, the white invitation like label standing out from the dark bottle and screw top.

I have had Hardys in the past and frankly not been a fan. I obliterated the negative thought from my mind and had a sip.

Hmmmm...Not pleasant at all.

Difficult to describe, but it was like someone has stubbed a cigarette out in my glass. A feeling of almost bitter separation in the mouth, like two parts of the wine were incompatible, fighting to break free. It is 14% ABV, which is very strong. This high alcohol content was not detectable on the palate. It felt thin and 'bitty'.

I was in the process of finishing some gravy at the time (roast beef), and despite the fact that two of us could not finish our glass of wine, I decided it was not even good enough for cooking. It went down the sink.

Sorry Hardys, but I gave you a go, and you failed to impress. Especially annoying as the bottle is not particularly cheap.

If I was a teacher I would mark your bottle 'very poor', and make you attempt another one in detention.

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