(2020) This is 100% Southern Valleys fruit. Dijon clone 5, a lovely pale and quite bright colour, briar, cherry and tobacco, small herbs and spices, and then the sweetness of the fruit bursts into ripe, creamy berries. Gentle but persistent acidity and a long finish. Price and stockist at time of review are for the previous vintage.
(2020) From vineyards close to the winery, stony soils, inspired by John’s two years in the Loire. Made in 1,000-litre oak foudres from Germany and very old barriques for part of this blend. There is some herbaceous character, some elderflower, but it is tempered and restrained, cool leafy thyme herbs. Super sweet fruit, a lovely nectarine and peach touching on mango, with sheer acidity. Excellent. Price and stockist is for the previous vintage at time of review.
