No.29: Domaine Chandon Blanc de Blancs 2006

Domaine Chandon, Yarra Valley

Blanc de Blancs is a funny old thing. If you had asked me a couple of years ago how I liked my bubbles I would have said without a shadow of a doubt  heavy on the Pinot Noir but then I tried some really good Blanc de Blancs from Ruinart, Gloria Ferrer and one of my favourite champagnes of 2010, Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs 1999.

With fruit sourced from around the Victoria region this is another belter from Domaine Chandon. A beautifully aromatic nose with hints of citrus, apricot, white flowers and nuts  which continues on the palate with crisp, fresh apple, some creaminess and an enjoyable intensity. I still stand by my food and wine pairing of blanc de blancs and jamon and in an exceptionally slow penny dropping moment I think my enjoyment of great b de b's over the last couple of years has in no small coincidence collided with discovering really good Spanish hams.

Iberico in particular is so sweet, juicy and salty that the thought of a casual afternoon spent with very fine company, a bottle of the 2006 B de B from Domaine Chandon and the stunning backdrop of the Yarra Valley would be hard to beat.

No.7: Domaine Chandon NV, Yarra Valley

I love LVMH as a luxury company because their wine goodies are just so deliciously desirable, I mean who wouldn't want a pure white kettle barbecue? Or the lovely deck chair to sit in whilst you're watching your dinner cook?

All the extras are so appealing as they are incredibly good quality. I still love my Moet & Hennessy bag that I was given after doing a bit of modelling for the launch of Moet Rose in the members bar I was working in over 10 years ago. It has been around the world with me and it doesn't look a day older, just like me! (I have a painting in the attic, everything is fine....)

Domaine Chandon is better known to its English drinkers as Green Point, the name of the location of Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley.  The thing with LVMH is the fabulous extra-curricular shop items are not a smoke and mirror diversion to the wines. There are many Domaine Chandon wines in the list and it makes sense to start at the beginning with the NV.

Ripeness is the key word for Domaine Chandon NV, fresh ripe pineapple, nectarine, apples, quince and lemons with hints of nougat and breadiness on the palate. The wine is clean, fresh and fruity which makes it ideal for shenanigans. Whether it's a birthday a wedding or a general get together this wine is a perfect choice for something you could happily drink a few glasses of on its own but without having to compromise on quality.

That said I'm not sure you can do better than a few glasses at Domaine Chandon on the patio overlooking the vineyard. You can, once fortified with good bubbles, raid the shop and not wince at the bill so you can fill your boot with a happy mix of wine and grown ups toys before someone chauffeurs you back home. Now that sounds like a plan....

Valentines Day-It doesn't have to be shit.

Valentine's Day. Shocking day of commercialism where rough blokes and serial cheaters buy their better halves giant cards and even bigger teddy bears. 

So what do you do if you a) like your partner too much to spend it with a hundred other couples or b) are currently without a better half?

Well I have a little suggestion that may sound a little more tempting. Invite people you like/love over to your home for dinner. Before they arrive go shopping and buy some really tasty ingredients to cook a spectacular meal but before you get home stop at the local wine merchants or cellar door if you're lucky enough to have one of those around that makes the bubbly stuff.

Maybe something like this for a cheeky welcome drink...

Domaine Chandon Etoile Tete de Cuvee

And then something from these guys, perhaps...

Camel Valley. Obviously.

or maybe this guy...

Dom Perignon

By now you should be laughing, chatting and very possibly finding an old 80's/90's CD and singing (badly!) along to the Eurythmics. I have never done this, me? Nooo! Far too sensible and restrained to sing badly in a friends lounge in between laughing like a drain. Classy and sophisticated me!

When you are all just about but not quite ready for tea and bed, a sneaky, slightly sweeter glass of Taittinger Nocturne is a lovely way to round off the evening.

From the Taittinger caves

So coupled up or not, falling into bed after a joyous evening with those you love and some delicious champagne can make Valentine's Day a day to look forward to can't it? Not shit in the slightest.