WINE REVIEW
Great Wheatley is another name in the emergence of Essex’s Crouch Valley as a region to take serious notice of for still English wines. Their vineyard was planted in 2021 on clay soils. Great Wheatley works with the familiar faces of viticulturist Duncan McNeill and winemaker Ben Smith of Itasca. They arrive this month with their first still Chardonnay, which boasts a striking and modern-looking label. The label illustrates the topography of the land around the historical Manor House of Wheatley, with the X marking the ‘House on the Hill’.
This is the first vintage of Chardonnay harvested, and was 100% barrel-fermented in sixth full barrels, with a small (16%) portion being new oak.
On the nose there’s green apple, lemon zest, a touch of meadow flowers, along with a suggestion of peaches and cream, and just a seasoning of toasted oak.
The palate is brisk and crisp, almost Chablis-like with its crunchy orchard fruit and lemon fusion, as well as a touch of mineral clarity.
There’s some clever textural play here. with well-used integration of leesy and malolactic textures introducing a weight and creaminess that elevates this Chardonnay, together with the touches of vanilla and spice. Definitely a name to watch.
