English Sparkling Wines
Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2016
Ripe citrus, pink grapefruit and pear with white floral notes; toasted brioche, shortbread and hazelnut notes
Pale golden in colour, with a fine mousse. The nose is full of ripe citrus, pink grapefruit and pear, with white floral notes. On the palate, the wine shows generous fruit flavours, highlighting ripe lemon, nectarine and crunchy green apple, with a flinty, saline minerality. Toasted brioche, shortbread and hazelnut notes build layers of complexity, adding to an elegance and energy that combine to create a beautiful example of Blanc de Blancs. A mild spring resulted in a mid-April bud burst. The weather during flowering was warm and dry resulting in abundant fruit being set. Early August saw 50% of fruit dropped to intensify flavour and concentration. Harvest began in early October and resulted in fruit of exceptional quality. Gusbourne has 60 hectares at Gusbourne Estate in Kent and 30 hectares in West Sussex that are planted with the 3 classic varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The distinct terroir and exceptionally mild microclimates of the surroundings add their own depth and complexity to the wines, and Gusbourne aims to allow the combination of site, soil and hard work in the vines to reflect in every bottle.
www.jancisrobinson.com tasting note: “Hugely complex, with excellent yeastiness giving a mealy, Marmite (yeast extract) sort of character as well as fresh apple fruit. The dosage seems almost generous in these days of extra brut styles. Pinpoint balance with ample fruit, integrated acidity (seems less searing than many English sparklings) and smooth mousse. Very accomplished, and surely only in the first flush of youth. 17.5/20” (Richard Hemming)
