(2022)

Though Lyme Bay is based in Devon, the Pinot Noir for this wine was sourced from vineyards in Essex that enjoyed warm, sunny conditions in 2020. Small parcels were vinified in open top fermenters, then transferred to oak barrels: 30% new French oak, along with some experimental American and Eastern European oak, for nine months. There's an attractive blend of cherry-bright fruit, creamy and lightly spicy oak and a subtle herbs and flowers grace note on the nose. In the mouth, finely-wrought sweet fruit of blackberry cherry is medium-bodied, supported by lightly charred coffeeish oak, and bright tannins. It's a Pinot in a fairly brisk style, but with a bit of depth and it is a fine addition to the upper-end of English still wines. Also available from Fareham Wine Cellar, The English Wine Collection, Grape Britannia, Amps Wine.