Le Petit Ballon – November 2016

With wrapping well underway, Christmas films aplenty and mince pies in abundance ( safely stored away in the kitchen cupboard for now, of course……), I can relax……take a break from the present buying and simply indulge in a glass or two of tasty wine.

This month’s offerings from Le Petit Ballon consist of the usual 2 bottles as below: A bottle of white, Domaine d’Hondrat – Chardonnay Viognier 2015 and a bottle of red; Chateau Les Amoureuses – Liby 2012.

As well as the wines, my box also included the usual wine tasting cards that help and guide you to make the most of your subscription; these tasting cards also offer insight into a brief history of their origins. I also received the Christmas edition of Le Petit Ballon’s monthly Gazette magazine; this includes recipes and facts ( – did you know that France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a gift in 1885?!) among other things.

All wines that feature in Le Petit Ballon boxes have been carefully selected by Jean-Michel Deluc, a master sommelier, formerly of the Ritz, London.

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Domaine d’Hondrat – Chardonnay Viognier -2015 (12.5%)

A wonderfully dry, yet deliciously fresh fruity white from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, taken from the vines of a family perfecting their art for over 120 years.

The tasting notes are as follows:

Eyes: The wine is a pale yellow colour with green reflections, with this youthful brilliance giving it a visually appealing edge.

Nose: The nose is both floral and fruity. The aromas consist of white flowers such as acacia and white violets blended with peach, citron and clementine.

Mouth: On the palate this wine is truly delicious; honeyed notes, tangy white fruit flavours and citrus all combining to create a very enjoyable drinking experience.

Visit Le Petit Ballon to buy this wine.

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Chateau Les Amoureuses – Liby – 2012 (15%)

A very enjoyable red, with a fruity yet spice aroma – this leaves a slight licorice taste in the mouth. All the way from the Vallee du Rhone, I found this wine very delightful indeed – like winter in a bottle.

The tasting notes are as follows:

Eyes: This is a wine with a truly intense ruby colour with hints of violets towards rim, showing it’s youth but also the beginning of a slow evolution.

Nose: The nose is dominated by intense aromas of black fruits; blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherries. After a little aeration, the developing notes of tobacco and spice starts to appear.

Mouth: On the palate the wine is incredibly juicy, with a thick body and superb flavours of ripe black fruits. The wine is fresh but well structured with a lovely texture.

Visit Le Petit Ballon to buy this wine.

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Summary

Every month you’ll receive the following in your Le Petit Ballon box:

  • Two bottles of wine carefully selected Former Sommelier Chef at The Ritz.

  • Tasting advice and super tips With handy posts and videos.

  • The Gazette The magazine that tells you everything there is to know about wine without all the waffle!

 

There are 2 subscription options available to you:

  • Grape Expectations – £24.90 per month, Including Shipping. This subscription brings you unknown, but great value wines chosen by the master sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc.
  • Age of Raisin – £39.90 per month, Including Shipping. This subscription delivers prestigious labels for  connoisseurs, chosen by the master sommelier Jean-Michel Deluc.

By subscribing you’ll also receive 20% off future wine purchases on their site, all delivered straight to your door.

Also follow them on their UK  Instagram and Facebook Page

Our score: 9.0/ 10

Once again, a lovely box this month - I'm especially impressed by the Chateau Les Amoureuses as this is very special and perfect for this time of year!

  • Quality of products9
  • Originality9
  • Packaging and delivery9
  • Value for money9
  • Selection of products9

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Rating: 3.1/5. From 30 votes.
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