WINE REVIEW
One of the most fascinating features of following the rapidly growing English Wine Industry is that there are great discoveries at every turn. I first discovered Beacon Down’s aromatic still wines in 2019, including a rather rare English Riesling, yet somehow their wines have escaped my attention in the past few years.
I had the chance to sample their perfectly positioned Blanc de Blancs 2017 this month, and it’s another real highlight in an already strong month of wine discoveries. With six years of ageing on the lees, this Sussex Chardonnay is opulent and ripe with a nose full of baked apple, ripe stone fruit, warm brioche and toasty complexities.
The palate is full and generous, opening with apple Tarte Tatin, peach pudding and a vibrant zesty cut-through. There’s also suggestive creaminess and lovely brioche and pastry depth.
This really impressed me, as did the price; it’s a relatively developed vintage Blanc de Blancs at under £35! Definitely one to try.
