Clovis Taittinger Interview - Champagne Taittinger

Blended wines are always intriguing and if the wine maker is creative with the grapes as Matisse was with his colours, then great things can happen. Chile used to be the cheaper option to buying "old world" wines but that has all changed. Now it is hard not to notice the expertise that goes into the crafting of these delightful presses of the good stuff!

In this instance we have an artisanal wine that is blended 35% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah, 20% Petit Verdot and 15% Grenache. With some age of 5 years and small production, this is wine to save for a special occasion or to drink with one of your slightly better friends (see the Max Reserva for regular mates drinking). The nose is rich and complex, as you'd expect, with dark fruits and spices that make the mouth water. There is a lot of tannin so this wine could age well if you choose but it is bound to be good drinking all the way down the line.

In the mouth this wine has many facets of fruit and spice. I could name a few but I think you're better off getting a bottle, sitting down and playing the game yourself. The flavours go on and on, with every sip winking at you suggesting another. Really enjoyable!

Errazuriz ‘ The Blend Collection’ Red 2009, RRP £23.99, Waitrose, Hoults, North and South Wines, Harrods, Ellies Cellar, The Whalley Wine Shop, www.winedirect.co.uk