WINE REVIEW
This is Balfour’s first ever Albariño, made from the 2022 vintage, and I believe to this date only the third take on this variety in England (the others being a few vintages from Chapel Down and Ancre Hill’s orange sparkling).
On the nose, there are waxy lemons, white peach and light floral hints, with a distinct wet stone minerality.
I was expecting a slightly tight and lean wine, and whilst the acidity is certainly punchy and bright, there’s a softness to the wine that recalls stone fruit and ripe apple. Saline and tingling throughout, with a hint of white pepper on the finish, I think this is a really worthwhile and accomplished addition to the Balfour line-up.
This is an extremely limited release, mostly destined for the on-trade, with a limited allocation at the Balfour cellar door and for Wine Club customers.
