Danbury Ridge Chardonnay Octagon Block 2018
Quite simply the juiciest, ripest, most textural English Chardonnay there is.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay
About:
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.
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Exton Park RB32 Brut
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.
Albourne Estate Chardonnay Barrel 24 2018
Brisk, bold but subtly tempered acidity integrates nicely with rich peachy and apricot flavours.
Balfour Hush Heath Saignée Rosé 2018
The generosity and ripeness of the 2018 vintage manifests itself in waves of ripe red and black berries.
Woodchester Valley Reserve Cuvée 2017
Ripe fruit at the forefront with an orchard fruit fusion of ripe red apple, and generous peachiness.
Busi-Jacobsohn Cuvée Brut 2018
Fine-tuned, linear acidity and crunchy green apples lead to riper pear and apricot flavours.
Wiston Estate Cuvée Brut 2015
A hint of tangy red berries and lots of nutty pastry complexity, leading to a clean mineral finish.
Ashling Park Estate Cuvée NV
Superbly wholesome and precise, but seasoned with just the right amount of spiced pastry and biscuit to add structure and texture.
Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs 2015
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.
Black Chalk Classic 2016
Very pure, with a textured oaty grip that contrasts well with the clean, precise fruit flavours and delicate minerality
Langham Culver Classic Cuvée NV
A stand out with its fusion of crunchy orchard fruit, citrus peel, welcoming stone fruit and complex toasted nut notes.
Oastbrook Estate Rosé 2015
WOTM January 2020 Ripe cranberry, wild raspberry, sour cherry and winter spice, this is a real wine lover’s rosé.
Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvée 2014
The complexities of this wine really stand out, interweaved with apple strudel and light cranberry notes forming a sublime balance.
Winbirri Vintage Reserve 2014
A big crowd-pleaser of a wine, so packed full of fruit that it really appeals.
1086 Nyetimber Prestige Cuvée 2010
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.
Simpsons Estate Roman Road Chardonnay 2018
WOTM November 2019 Immaculate and Chablis-esque, with lovely hints of minerality, suggestions of toasted oak, tangerine peel and spice.
Oxney Organic Classic 2016
A wine with lots of tertiary nuances, ripe stone fruit, red apple and hints of cranberry on the mid-taste with a delicious nutty, baked pastry complexity
Denbies Ranmore Hill 2017
WOTM July 2019 A curious fusion of ripe peach, hints of lightly grilled tropical fruit, with a twist of lime & smoky notes.
Herbert Hall Rosé Brut 2015
A very welcoming light creaminess that adds texture and contrast to the fresh, crisp red berry fruit flavours.
Gusbourne Brut Reserve Twenty Fifteen
A delicious, rich Brut Reserve from Gusbourne with lovely nutty complexity.
Simpsons Chalklands Classic Cuvée 2016
A beautiful fusion of youthful citrus fruit and crunchy apples complemented by rounder, peachy notes.
Oxney Organic Estate Rosé NV
Pretty cranberry and raspberry flavours partnering crisp apple and sweet pear notes.
Oxney Organic Estate NV
A flourish of crisp apples and hints of white peach, before a wave of tangy red fruit and light spiced almond notes.
Albury Estate Prestige Cuvée 2014
A strikingly pure prestige cuvée, the purity of the ultra-low dosage lets the fruit do the talking.