Blanc de Blancs 2018

Sometimes it’s helpful to draw comparisons to previous releases. But as the vines get older and our vineyard and winemaking techniques evolve, then so do the wines. Our aim is to always to create wines of balance and purity that will stand the test of time. This wine for me is a noticeable step forward in that direction. When you’re blessed with exceptionally ripe and healthy fruit it enables you to take a very hands off approach in the winery, retaining that quality of character as you guide it into the bottle. If the 2017 had a taut, mineral core that is evolving beautifully over time, then this 2018 is a more seductive style that is quite ‘showy’ on release but still has that fine chalky structure that will guarantee its longevity. Once again all the fruit comes from a single chalky plot of Chardonnay with 50% fermented in 500 litre puncheon barrels and the other 50% in stainless steel.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: 50% Barrel Fermentation
Lees Ageing: 34 months
Total Acidity: 7.6 g/l
Residual Sugar: 6.2 g/l

GOLD (95/100) – International Wine Challenge

92/100 – Tom Hewson (Tim Atkin MW England Wine Report)

Previous Releases:

• 2017 – 17.5/20 Tamlyn Currin (Jancisrobinson.com)
• 2015 – 97/100 point score and best in class from Decanter Magazine
• 2014 – Gold: Champagne and Sparking Wine World Championships. Gold: Wine GB

£240/6btl case (£40/btl)