(2019) A bit of a ringer for a Sauvignon Blanc, this is made from Bacchus, a German cross of Riesling and Müller-Thurgau that is popular in England because of its ability to ripen well in cooler climates. Fresh and grassy on the nose, with that elderflower and English hedgerow character, before a crisp and very dry palate, a grapefruit juice tang and juiciness, perhaps just a touch dilute in terms of texture and mid-palate weight.
(2018) Made by the winemaking students of England's Centre of Excellence for wine education, supervised by expert winemakers, this sparkling blend of 43% Pinot Meunier, 38% Chardonnay and 19% Pinot Noir was disgorged on 8th May 2018 after three years ageing on the lees, with little over 2,000 bottles produced. It is an absolute charmer, a touch of luscious gold to the colour and a rich butter pastry nose, loads of biscuit and ripe, juicy orchard fruits. The palate has a soft cushion of mousse and there is an open, welcoming breadth to the sweet fruit core, but then the finish sharpens up nicely with dazzling lemony acidity. Really very good indeed. Price is per bottle, available in cases of six from the college, but use the wine-searcher link to find other stockists.
