Reviewed by
Emma
Hello 2017…….and a Happy New Year to you all!
With the rush, excitement and anticipation of Christmas behind us once more, we are all enduring the harsh, colder month of January and eagerly beckon the glow of spring to warm our red, cold faces……but in the meantime – this England after all, so it could take a while – we have to wait it out in the cold and warm ourselves up gently with a glass or two of Le Petit Ballon’s finest wines.
What’s in the Box……..
This month Le Petit Ballon box consisted of the usual 2 bottles as below: A bottle of white, Maison Joseph Cattin– Riesling Tradition 2015 and a bottle of red; Le Diplomate – Bordeaux Superieur 2012.
As well as the wines, the box also includes 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 January edition of Le Petit Ballon’s monthly Gazette magazine; themed this month on ‘Going Back to Basics’, we find out about the history of how Le Petit Ballon got started (did you know that in 2016 Le Petit Ballon delivered 700,000 bottles of wine to subscribers – wowzers!), recipes as well as a recommendation of music to accompany your wine among other things – happy days!
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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Maison Joseph Cattin – Riesling Tradition – 2015 (12.5%)
This is described as the ‘Perfect Winter White Wine’, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. It’s fresh and crisp on the palate with delicate clean citrus-fruit tones – all the way from Alsace in France.
The tasting notes are as follows:
Eyes: The wine has a stunning gold colour with soft reflections that suggest power and freshness.
Nose: The nose is intense, fine and delicate, dominated by floral aromas with some white and citrus fruit also coming through.
Mouth: On the palate the impression is similar to the nose, with a precise, clean sensation of apples, pears and minerality on the finish.
Visit Le Petit Ballon to buy this wine.
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Le Diplomate – Bordeaux Supérieur – 2012 (13.5%)
I just simply adore a glass (or two) of red in the colder months; it concurs images of crackling log fires, fluffy socks and big jumpers. This deep red merlot is the perfect addition to a cold Sunday evening under the blanket, with it’s rich almost spicy taste, it’s pure weekend luxury in a glass.
The tasting notes are as follows:
Eyes: The wine has a ruby colour of beautiful intensity and youthful brilliance. There are purple reflections towards the rim and the wine appears to be rich, dark and brooding.
Nose: On the nose there is a whole collection of beautiful aromas; black fruits, cherries, cut hay, prune, oriental spices and cumin. Already complex and intriguing.
Mouth: On the palate the wine is powerful and thick, with voluptuous flavours of black fruits and licorice, supported by crisp tannins.
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 
