Reviewed by
Emma
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.
By Mary 
By Evelyn 
