Vine of the Times

Ballantynes' Champagne Beats Bollinger in 'Wine Spectator' Blind Tasting

The Wine Spectator, America's leading wine magazine, has held a blind tasting of non-vintage Champagnes in which Gardet Cuvee St Flavy, the same cuvee as our 'Special Selection', beat Bollinger at nearly twice the price. Also receiving the same score as Billecart Salmon, Taittinger, Perrier Jouet and Heidsieck Monopole Diamant Blanc which retails in the States for $100.The tasting note is on the subscribers section of the site, but here it is below.

"Firm and harmonious, featuring peach, apple, honey and spice notes. Picks up some citrus accents toward the long, mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. 91pts"

The wine is made from a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier and 10% Chardonnay, and 20% is composed of reserve wine which adds richness and complexity to the blend. This wine has been our 'house' Champagne for 12 years, and it is consistent in quality.

This is one of Champagne's outstanding bargains and we offer it at £16.99 per bottle or £14.75 when you buy 12.

Clos Naudin, Vouvray: A Pure Expression of Chenin Blanc

Whilst passing through the cellars of Bernard Baudry in Chinon, I noticed a case of Vouvray from Clos Naudin from Vouvray. I remarked to Mathieu Baudry (Bernard's son) that I knew the reputation of the domaine as being, one of the two or three best in the appellation: his reply was "let's taste a bottle at lunchtime", and so I had my first experience of the domaine with a 2000 Vouvray Sec. This was so delicious that I asked Mathieu if he could fix a tasting for the next day, which he duly did: what followed was one of the most remarkable tastings of my career.