Wine Region: East Sussex

(2024) Another new English name for me, a single estate wine from East Sussex composed of 47% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay and 6% Pinot Meunier, part barrel fermented and with 24% reserve wine. This bottle was disgorged in NOvember 2023 after 20 months the on the lees. There's a baked apple pie character, creamy and generous, with ripe yellow apple notes. In the mouth that high proportion of reserves adds depth, a lovely biscuity richness but cut with plenty of crisp lemon and apple. Long, well-balanced, and I have to say, if buying at £28, very good value indeed. A name to watch on this evidence. Watch the video for more information.

(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.

(2017) An out and out bargain at D Byrne’s price, this Blanc des Noirs blend of Pinots Noir and Meunier has fine toasty and bready, autolytic development. Plenty of small bubbles and crisp apple fruit add to the appeal, and on the palate it has a gentle attack: not sweet at all, but softer than some English sparkling wines, the 5 years of lees ageing having smoothed and rounded the acidity into a long, balanced finish of great poise.

(2015) Ex-Formula 1 race engineer Lawrence Warr's estate was planted in 2007, again with classic Champagne varieties, this vintage dominated by 70% Chardonnay and having spent 46 months on the lees. There's a more developed, slightly more oxidative character to this, with those truffle and bruised fruit notes that are so authentic and so attractive, then a creamy and sweeter-feeling palate that is delicious sippable - indeed gulpable - before a long and charmingly fresh finish. Another beauty from the 2010 vintage.

(2014) Vibrant crimson colour, and a dry, cherry and briar, inky but attractive nose. The palate has lovely balance, with a juiciness and plenty of bramble and cherry fruit, and well balanced.