(2024) Hand-harvested Pinot planted in 2005 with Burgundy clones is blended with locally-sourced fruit for this oak-aged cuvée. There's a very pretty fragrance here, wispy smoke topped by cherry and floral red fruit notes. In the mouth the tannins are soft and fine, the acidity is nicely weighted, and the whole wine with its 12% alcohol feels light and finessed. Fruit stays in that red spectrum and is very nicely balanced in the overall picture. I was pleasantly surprised by this, owner Simon Kirby confessing how challenging it can be to make Pinot in England, but they have made a lovely wine.
(2023) Bewl Water Vineyards pick out flavours of citrus, elderflower and white peach in their description of this wine. That's accurate, and could also describe many Sauvignons Blanc, which is very apt as there's more than a hint of Marlborough about this Sussex wine. Specifically, lemon rind, elderflower and a touch of reduction kick things off before the palate develops that peachy and ripe, slightly exotic fruit character. It's a wine with a bit of richness, but a zipping zest in the finish.
(2023) A traditional method, 100% Pinot Noir English sparkling wine, aged on the lees for at least 12 months. There is a hint of pink/bronze to the colour, and a steady stream of small bubbles as it pours. Aromatically, pastry notes over raspberry and lemon suggest freshness but with a little creamier, even gently baked character. The palate is fresh and crisply driven by lemon and yellow apples, but the dosage adds a balancing sweetness and gives an overall richness and easy-drinking character.
(2023) Winner of a gold medal at the WineGB awards, this is a blend of the three main Champagne varieties, part barrel fermented, and aged 24 months on the lees. There's a vivid lemony directness here, smoothed by a little biscuit and some delicate floral notes. The mousse is creamy, and again the lemony thrust of the wine offers plenty of bite and crispness, but it fleshes out mid-palate before a vivid and long, citrus finish.