Our festive roundup including some of the most fantastic and diverse new English wines we have tried throughout the year. It has been a fantastic year for English wine with so many exciting new releases over the last 12 months. We will be revealing a new wine each day in our 12 Wines of Christmas advent calendar just in time to get orders in before the festivities begin.
Polgoon Art Bacchus 2016
For the art & English Wine lover
This year has seen Polgoon team up with the Newlyn School of Art to produce a limited edition of their fantastically zingy Bacchus with special artwork by the tutors.
This delightful wine has a bright nose with wild elderflower, honeysuckle, sweet peach and zesty notes.
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Polgoon
Langham Rosé & Classic Cuvée 2014
A duo of Dorset sparkling wines
These two recently released sparkling wines from Langham Estate in Dorset really impressed us with their perfect balance between crisp acidity and honeyed fruit depth.
At £24 for the Classic and £26 for the Rosé, they are also both exceptionally good value for money.
More Information:
Full Review Classic
Full Review Rosé
Buy from Langham
Exton Park Brut Reserve
A trio of Exton Park brut sizes
Now being available in super-sized Magnum format (£65), Exton Park's delightful Brut Reserve is now available in a variety of sizes to suit every occasion.
This fantastic wine has become a favourite of ours with its elegant freshness and balance, and the delightful half-bottles (£17.50) prove to be perfect for gifting.
More Information:
Buy from Exton Park (37.5cl)
Buy from Exton Park (75cl)
Buy from Exton Park (Magnum)
Greyfriars Pinot Gris 2016
A ripe & delightful Pinot Gris
It was the year of Pinot Gris in England, with various producers winning big awards, however, it was Greyfriars Gris (£13.50) that was our top choice in a recent tasting.
This wine balances ripe stone peach and bright acidity with wonderful textures and oaky depth - sure to be a hit with the Christmas turkey!
More Information:
Pinot Gris Spotlight Tasting
Buy from Greyfriars
Lyme Bay Blanc de Noirs 2014
An intense and nutty sparkling wine
Lyme Bay has really impressed us this year, and we think this fantastic Blanc de Noirs is perfect for drinking over the Christmas period with its rich stone fruit and toasted nut flavours.
As one of the highlights from our Blanc de Noirs feature, the Lyme Bay is also fantastic value for money at under £25.
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Lyme Bay
Hattingley Sparkling Red Pinot Noir 2015
The perfect festive aperitif
Continuing to push boundaries, Hattingley Valley's latest innovative release is this light and punch Sparkling Red Pinot Noir.
At £25, this with its vivid red colour and pleasingly vibrant red berry character, whilst delicate hints of spice and tannin add surprising texture.
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Hattingley Valley
Denbies Noble Harvest Ortega 2016
A rich and unctuous dessert wine
This sumptuous sweet wine from Denbies is a real treat, with rich flavours of ripe apricot and orange peel.
It's a very English alternative to Sauternes, it would pair perfectly with a festive cheese selection or Christmas pastries.
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Denbies Wine Estate
Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2014
England's finest Chardonnay
England's biggest producer Chapel Down has had a number year with a number of new product launches including spirits and the Kit's Coty single vineyard range.
This Chardonnay was crowned gold in our Spotlight Tasting, thanks to its sublime purity and silky, ripe stone fruit depth. Look out for the 2015 vintage in the coming weeks.
More Information:
Full Review
High Clandon Aurora Cuvée Rosé 2011
A mature & decadent rosé
The first ever rosé from Surrey's High Clandon is proof that sparkling rosé doesn't have to be light and fruity.
This stunning wine has aged on its lees for 6 years and entertains with its toasted nut and biscuit complexity. A true textural delight!
More Information:
Full Review
Buy From High Clandon
Wiston Blancs de Noirs 2010
A rich a textural journey
Wiston Estate's first ever vintage Blanc de Noirs is an absolute gem, made from 100% barrel-fermented Pinot Noir that has spent five years on the lees.
The end result is a stunningly complex and rich Blanc de Noirs, benefiting from maturity and barrel ageing. At £47 it's a little more pricey than some, but why not - it's Christmas!
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Wiston Estate
Hambledon Premiere Cuvée
A decadent sparkling wine for food lovers
One of my foodie highlights this year was the pop-up restaurant at Hambledon, demonstrating this wonderful wine's food pairing potential.
With its sublime complexity and richness, the Premiere Cuvée (£42.50) has got to be a surefire bet to standout on any Christmas dining table.
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Hambledon
Sugrue Pierre Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan
The most complex English sparkling wine so far?
In a year full of fantastic, diverse and persuasive English wines, there was still one wine that elevated above all others.
This very limited release of Cuvée Dr Brendan O'Regan may stretch the pockets at £79, but it's worth every penny. From the presentation to the finesse, elegance and breadth of the wine in the bottle, every sip is captivating. A true gem!
More Information:
Full Review
Buy from Sugrue Pierre
