Avondale Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2009

Tidy.

Lots to recommend the Mèthode Cap Classique that is Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2009 from Avondale. The first MCC to carry a vintage designation from this Paarl property, it spent five years on the lees and contains tiny portions of every previous bubbly made since 2003.

It shows a touch of reduction, lemon and a subtle biscuit note. Rich but balanced with a sherbet-like mousse and a good line of acidity. What really impresses is the overall precision – perhaps not the detail as Champagne but then few examples of MCC achievethis. Approximate retail price: R200 a bottle.

Score: 89/100.