Late Release Edition 1
VINTAGE
A mixed season but in the end the quality shone through. Bud burst was mid-April and the grapes were largely unaffected by frost. Flowering was positive with warm bright days during July and August. Veraison was in full flow by September, which was cooler than normal. This allowed for a longer and gentle ripening period, which gave the grapes time to gain a fantastic phenolic ripe profile that come harvest would translate into this elegant wine and reflect the estates planting and vintage.
VINEYARD
Soil: Wealden Clay
Block Selection: Grapes were selected from four blocks of the vineyard, House Pinot Meunière, House Chardonnay, House Pinot Noir and Oaks Pinot Noir.
Harvest Date: 10th and 12th October 2019
WINEMAKING
The Pinot Noir and Meunière were co pressed and fermented together with the chardonnay pressed two days later. The pressings were split between steel tanks, old Burgundy barrels (5th fill) and two new French oak barrels. These barrels make up 14% of the total blend of the wine. The wine was fermented in barrel and then aged for a further 10 months before blending in August 2020.
The primary blend is
49% Chardonnay (Clones 76 & 95)
47% Pinot Noir (Clones 792, 114 & 375)
4% Pinot Meunière (Clone 865)
14% Oak Ferment
RS 5.3
TA 7.7g/l
AVB 12%
pH 3.15
Bottled on 1st September 2020
Disgorged on the 14th May 2024
Technical cork closure
APPEARANCE
Star bright, rich and golden in colour with a straw hue. Very fine consistent bubbles.
NOSE
Generous and inviting aromas of fresh pastry, red apple, with hints of fresh apricot, opulent buttery baked apple and raisin strudel.
PALATE
A harmony of flavours including baked red apple, lightly stewed summer fruits and rich butter that give the wine remarkable weight and structure. The edges of the profile are filled with stone fruits that lead to a morish finish of toast and sweet pastry.
FOOD PAIRING
Opulent in style, this wine can pair well with richer dishes, such as game and meaty white fish like Turbot as well as whole Crab and Lobster.