2016 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, West Sussex & Hampshire

The wine is a pale yellow with greenish hints, there is a vigorous bead of tiny bubbles. The aroma is toasty with savory marmite touches. The palate is dry, fresh & lemony, it is lean, light-bodied & there is a fine , soft mousse. Alcohol is balanced & a long lemony-crisp finish combines toasty/ yeasty touches with a creamy texture. 09/25

91 points David Allen MW 

From the chalk soils of southern England, Nyetimber has become the benchmark for English sparkling wine, with a history dating back to 1988 when it first planted the classic Champagne varieties. Today, under the direction of owner Eric Heerema and winemaker Cherie Spriggs, the estate continues to refine a style built on precision, patience and meticulous vineyard work across West Sussex and Hampshire.

The 2016 Blanc de Blancs is a pure expression of Chardonnay, shaped by a long, cool growing season that preserved acidity and finesse. Pale gold in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse, the aromatics are elegant and layered, lemon zest, green apple and white peach unfolding alongside notes of brioche, toasted almond and a subtle chalky minerality.

The palate is beautifully poised, citrus and orchard fruits carried over a creamy, finely textured frame. Extended time on lees brings depth and a gentle nutty complexity, while a line of bright acidity keeps everything focused and lively. The finish is long and precise, with a mineral edge that lingers.

This is a natural partner for refined, flavour driven food. Oysters, scallops, or delicate seafood dishes all work beautifully, as do lighter poultry dishes where its balance can shine.

Drinking beautifully now, though it will continue to evolve over the next eight to twelve years, gaining further complexity and richness.

There is a quiet confidence here, a sparkling that stands comfortably alongside top Champagne, offering elegance, precision and a clear sense of place.