WINE REVIEW
Today is the launch of what is essentially the first range of English Sparkling wines to be made exclusively for Naked Wines.
Coming from Ian Kellett, founder of one of Hampshire’s most talked about producers Hambledon Vineyard. Last year they famously won the judges vote in the Noble Rot Champagne vs English Sparkling tasting with the Hambledon Classic Cuvee.
One of the first wines to be released under this new partnership is The Old Winchester Hill Blanc de Blancs, a Non Vintage blend of Chardonnay harvested from three different vintages. Beautiful and golden in the glass, it opens up with heady aromas of apple pie and apricot with a complex mix of almond, spice and yeasty autolysis.
The non-vintage blending process brings a beautifully full palate to this wine. Initially there’s a vibrant acidity and citrus burst followed by a really rounded mid taste of baked apples and ripe stone fruit flavours.
And then there’s the structure; a beautiful complex finish with nutty notes and spiced pastry hints. This really does linger for quite some time, as a zesty tang of citrus peel with dry chalky minerality lingers and tantalises the taste buds.
As with wines already released under the main Hambledon brand, this has a really striking Champagne-like weight. Priced at just £21.99 it delivers excellent quality and texture for a modest price.