WINE REVIEW
This is the second wine from Gareth Maxwell’s and Jimmy Hunter’s The Heretics label, once again working with the experienced hands of Duncan McNeil (viticulturist) and Ben Smith (winemaker). Deluxe Seven is a masterclass in how to make a great Chardonnay in a challenging year.
Fruit was sourced from the now familiar name of Missing Gate Vineyard in the Crouch Valley.
On the nose there’s ripe apple, white peach and lemon posset, with just a light suggestion of vanilla cream and a bright sprinkling of lemon zest.
The palate is classic cool climate Chardonnay. It reminds me a little of some of the better New Zealand Chardonnays such as Felton Road, with its unadulterated orchard fruit purity, but there’s also a lovely warmth and softness thanks to the partial Malo.
Overall, this is brilliantly judged.
