Mentzendorff 's Annual Portfolio Tasting filled the palatial space of One George Street, welcoming guests to experience the latest in exceptional wines and spirits. ILN's Chief Executive Lisa Barnard attended alongside 400 professionals in the wine trade, including Groupe Bollinger CEO Étienne Bizot and Champagne Bollinger's Managing Director, Charles-Armand de Belenet (pictured above), to witness the unveiling of exceptional offerings from wineries across the globe. For Mentzendorff, this annual tasting is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration of the wine importer's commitment to quality and discovery.
A Sip Inside Mentzendorff’s Portfolio Tasting with Bollinger
Words by
Lisa Barnard
7th March 2025
Mentzendorff’s Annual Tasting showcased exciting wines making waves in the industry. Join Lisa Barnard at the Institute of Civil Engineers as she explores fresh and fruity finds, from the latest releases from Champagne Bollinger and Taylor's Port to innovative additions to the portfolio.
The grand setting of One George Street for Mentzendorff's Annual Tasting
A Global Journey in a Single Room
Taylor's Port served ably by the magnum
A highlight of this year’s tasting event was the introduction of Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, which joined the Mentzendorff portfolio in January, bringing a fresh and environmentally conscious perspective on winemaking. As one of the first wineries in Napa Valley to embrace organics, Spottswoode has been farming its vineyards organically since 1985 and was certified by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in 1992. Working closely with biodynamic specialists, the estate promotes a thriving ecosystem, ensuring that its farming practices produce high-quality wines which preserve the environment.
Host of the Most, Justin Liddle, Managing Director of Mentzendorff & Co welcomes customers and press
Attendees enjoyed three masterclasses around the craft behind great winemaking. The first, a Chardonnay Masterclass hosted by Hadrien Mouflard of Champagne AYALA, explored the complexities of this iconic grape. Next, Heather de Savoye of Spottswoode shared the winery's four decades of environmental leadership. Finally Carrie Kalscheuer of Ponzi Vineyards guided guests through the artistry of Oregon’s wine country, showcasing how terroir and craftsmanship combine to produce exceptional wines. As a new addition to the portfolio, Ponzi's wines were well received at the tasting.
Innovations and Intrigues
Anthony Hamilton Russell of Hamilton Russell Vineyards
This year, some standouts were introduced by Mentzendorff, including the 2022 Rully and Mercurey wines from Domaine Chanson, now coming under the agency's belt following the acquisition of Château d’Etroyes in the Côte Chalonnaise. Another gem came from Maison Langlois, a Loire legend, with the debut of Langlois Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Bio 2020, set for release in 2025. This is the House's very first organic Crémant de Loire, crafted from the finest limestone parcels in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent. Meticulously produced with gentle pressing, 100% cuvée selection, low dosage of 2 g/L, and prolonged ageing on laths. for fans of biodynamics, this one will pique some interest.
Illustrated London News' CEO and SPHERE Digital Editor, Lisa Barnard and Chairman catches up with CEO of Groupe Bollinger, Étienne Bizot
Turkey Flat Vineyards introduced its recent venture into the realm of canned wines. The new range of 250ml cans, features a Pinot Gris, Grenache Shiraz, and their iconic Rosé. A bold move, but these wines proved that quality needn’t come in a traditional bottle.
Welcoming the First Non-Alcoholic Addition
For those embracing the sober route, BEAU VIVA makes a stunning debut in the Mentzendorff portfolio as its first non-alcoholic wine. This alcohol-free sparkling rosé from Maison Saint Aix, crafted in the heart of Provence, transcends mere trend to offer a sophisticated alternative that embodies the region’s passion for rosé. Made from carefully selected grapes and gently distilled to preserve delicate aromas, Beau Viva dazzles with vibrant citrus, juicy red berries, and subtle floral notes. With fine bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish, it’s a perfect choice for any occasion, proving that non-alcoholic wines have found a truly elegant place at the table.
Bollinger Bosses: Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger and Étienne Bizot, Chairman and CEO of Groupe Bollinger
The Port Cup Experience
João Vasconcelos, Sales Director of Taylor's Port
For those with a sweet tooth, there was the Port Cup Corner—a sensory experience that paired Port with chocolate. Under the expert guidance of master chocolatier Pedro Martins Araújo, we were encouraged to sip the port from chocolate cups and immediately savour the chocolate, allowing the flavours to harmonise into the perfect pairing.
A Look to the Future
The ever effervescent Alan Montague-Dennis, Director of Prestige Sales at Mentzendorff & Co
As glasses began to drain away, Mentzendorff’s Managing Director, Justin Liddle commented: "The Portfolio Tasting is the highlight of the year for us, where we are able to not only show off the exceptional wines from our producers, but also to allow them to showcase the great work many are doing back in the vineyards and wineries. We were especially excited this year to introduce Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery as a new addition to our portfolio for 2025. It has been a pleasure to connect with so many different professionals from across all sectors of the trade. The wine industry is facing considerable challenges at the moment, the most notable being the introduction of the new duty regime implemented last month and the spectre of an unworkable EPR scheme going live in April. In light of these challenges, we feel it is important to stay connected to our customers and the wider trade i”
View the Mentzendorff’s current portfolio in full via mentzendorff.co.uk
