Bordeaux
| According to figures from Bordeaux's official trade organisation, the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, more than 13,000 growers in the region harvest grapes each year, and about 9,000 châteaux bottle their own wines. The top châteaux are justly famous but some stunning wines are made by less well known producers at far more modest prices. Since the 1980s massive investment has modernised viticulture and vinification without compromising the care and attention to detail one would expect of the Bordelais. Competition from the New World has created a "new wave" style of Claret which is much easier to enjoy when young, but continues to improve with age. |  |
| Balls Brothers Claret Blended by Richard Balls and Charles Sichel at Maison Sichel, the wine is made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot. The nose is intense and there are concentrated flavours of red fruits with freshness and soft tannins. The grapes used in creating Balls Brothers Claret have been treated with the care that is lavished on the classed growths at all stages of viticulture and vinification. | |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1995 | 1993 | 1992 | 1988
White
| Price | ||
| 2005 Chateau Beauregard Ducasse Blanc | £8.30 | |
| Made to be drunk young and fresh, the herbaceous, grassy Sauvignon complements the floral, citric Semillon superbly. | Qty | |
Dessert
| Price | ||
| 2002 Baron Philippe De Rothschild - HALF | £8.90 | |
| Deliciously aromatic with complex scents of candied fruits, apricot nectar and honey. A freshly sweet wine with layers of honeyed citrus fruit. | Qty | |
| 2003 Chateau de la Chartreuse - HALF | £12.50 | |
| The 'terroir' of Preignac produces Sauternes lighter than those situated in the south of the appellation, but they are still rich and very aromatic. This wine is of a very good vintage, dense and supple, with a beautiful gold colour and a powerful bouquet of small crystallized fruit. On the palate, it is well-matured with notes of white flowers. | Qty | |
