
Chapel Down Three Graces 2014
Both driving and giving, ending on a delicious honey roasted nut complexity that lingers elegantly on the finish.
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.
Both driving and giving, ending on a delicious honey roasted nut complexity that lingers elegantly on the finish.
Probably the best mainstream own-label English wine on the market right now.
Crisp green apple and citrus flavours with flesh peach and textural oak spiciness.
Honeyed pastry notes add weigh to a clean mineral backbone in this delicate but expressive Rosé.
A hugely impressive and appealing wine demonstrating sublime integration and development.
A Perfect balance between the zesty vibrance, the riper stone fruit flavours and nutty, biscuity notes.
A wealth of biscuit, oatmeal and nutty complexity, whilst the texture is smooth, creamy and enveloping.
Rich on the ripe orchard fruit flavours with a decadently creamy, soft mousse.
A delicious, rich Brut Reserve from Gusbourne with lovely nutty complexity.
A lively, crisp palate awaits with a zesty lemon tart zing and lightly honeyed stone fruit flavours.
A textbook example of winemaker restraint resulting in a wine of finesse and precision.
Very clean, while the mineral textures build and linger with excellent length.
This fine English Chardonnay straddles that fine line between textural oaky delight and precise, punchy fruit purity.
A light, refreshing Chardonnay with crisp green apple and bold, zippy citrus flavours.
Impressive length with profound yeasty complexity on the finish.
Quite simply the best, most grown-up wine that has been released to date from the rising stars of Surrey. Very exciting!
Dermot Sugrue’s latest masterpiece comes in the form of a Pinot biased Cuvée from Wiston.
An elegant and gently textured English Sparkling with real finesse.
What impresses the most is the precision of the flavour; it’s a very fruit-focused sparkling.
A bright, wild rosé with intense strawberry, raspberry and cherry blossom character.
Takes you on a journey from crisp, green orchard fruit through to riper, fleshy peach.
Soft, ripe apricot with surprisingly warming honeyed notes.
Delicious honeyed stone fruit flavours meet brisk, vibrant acidity.
A cut above many examples in the price range and exceptionally good value.