
Oastbrook Chardonnay Oak 2020
Understated and elegant: there’s a bright nose of red apple and citrus zest, with a mineral, struck match note.
One of the most planted grape varieties in the world, Chardonnay is now found in virtually every wine region across the globe. Primarily used for sparkling wine production in the UK, there are increasing examples of varietal still whites and blends using the variety. Classically blended with red varieties, PInot Noir and Pinot Meunier, using the Champagne method, it is also used to make 100% Chardonnay méthode champenoise wines (Blanc de Blancs).
Early bud burst makes it susceptible to damage from frost but in the growing season it can be quite vigorous. Acids can be quite high at harvest (thus making it suitable for sparkling wine) but secondary fermentation (and malolactic fermentation) softens this out.
In sparkling wine, Chardonnay tends to provide the ‘backbone’ and ‘structure’ but flavour characteristics tend to include citrus, apple and orchard fruit notes. In still wines (some of the more successful examples have included those by Chapel Down and Simpsons) there is a similar flavour profile along with peach and apricot notes.
Understated and elegant: there’s a bright nose of red apple and citrus zest, with a mineral, struck match note.
A light off-dry sweetness that adds body and a light generosity compared to the sometimes bracing dryness of most Pét-Nat wines.
A fusion of green apple, poached pear and peachy notes with an underlying bitter orange complexity.
An understated white peach, crisp green apple, tingling citrus and mineral finish.
Green apple, citrus, white peach, and a flinty minerality with a light textured nuttiness.
This is classic Blanc de Blancs territory – baked apple, hints of pear and peach on the nose as well as an indulgent biscuity pastry note.
Brisk, crisp acidity and crunchy orchard fruit flavours, with the zing of tangy pineapple and rounder white peach flavours.
A promising Chardonnay with notes of ripe apple and peach, butterscotch and toasted spice.
Quite simply the juiciest, ripest, most textural English Chardonnay there is.
The signature Exton Park crunchy acidity and purity was there in spades, supported by soft waves of ripe apple, peach skin and even suggestions of melon.
Brisk, bold but subtly tempered acidity integrates nicely with rich peachy and apricot flavours.
The generosity and ripeness of the 2018 vintage manifests itself in waves of ripe red and black berries.
Ripe fruit at the forefront with an orchard fruit fusion of ripe red apple, and generous peachiness.
Fine-tuned, linear acidity and crunchy green apples lead to riper pear and apricot flavours.
A hint of tangy red berries and lots of nutty pastry complexity, leading to a clean mineral finish.
Superbly wholesome and precise, but seasoned with just the right amount of spiced pastry and biscuit to add structure and texture.
This latest Wiston is showing lots of potential already but it is really going to start to sing with a few more years in the bottle.
Very pure, with a textured oaty grip that contrasts well with the clean, precise fruit flavours and delicate minerality
A stand out with its fusion of crunchy orchard fruit, citrus peel, welcoming stone fruit and complex toasted nut notes.
WOTM January 2020 Ripe cranberry, wild raspberry, sour cherry and winter spice, this is a real wine lover’s rosé.
The complexities of this wine really stand out, interweaved with apple strudel and light cranberry notes forming a sublime balance.
A big crowd-pleaser of a wine, so packed full of fruit that it really appeals.
This wine’s price (£150) and presentation makes a huge statement but it’s Nyetimber’s quality and precise approach that makes it a standout.
WOTM November 2019 Immaculate and Chablis-esque, with lovely hints of minerality, suggestions of toasted oak, tangerine peel and spice.