Langham Classic Cuvée Reserve 2011

This wine is the jewel in the crown in the English Sparkling lineup from Dorset’s Langham Estate. A blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it has been barrel aged, bottled without fining or filtering and has then spent an impressive 36 months on the lees.

The wine has a beautiful deep golden, almost slightly bronzed colour with tiny streams of fine bubbles; it just oozes opulence.

The aromas on the nose are suitably rich and complex – lovely ripe stone fruits with baked bread, yeasty and pastry notes.

This texture and elegance continues on the palate – a striking thirst quenching acidity effortlessly melts away to smooth flavours of apple and peach with citrus. The mouthfeel is smooth, slightly creamy, leading to lengthy yeasty aftertaste scattered with hints of spice and mineral.

This is an outstanding wine, one of those bottles that you just do not want to end. It’s no surprise that it won UKVA Award’s Most Outstanding Sparkling Wine Trophy just last month.