2013 Nyetimber, 1086, Prestige Cuvée, Sussex, England

Only made in exceptional vintages, this is a Chardonnay-dominant blend from Nyetimber’s four very best vineyards. Three are in West Sussex, on greensand soils; one is from a pure chalk site in Hampshire. The growing year started cooler but then gave winemaker Cherie Spriggs an ideal summer and ripening period. Vinification was carefully controlled to retain fruit and terroir expression, and the wine was aged for six-and-a-half years on its lees. 

This is aromatically expressive and delicious, yet serious on the palate with acid details and flavoursome complexity. This is not Champagne; it is a style of its own, confidently English. It is simply one of the best wines made on UK soil that I’ve ever tasted. 

Davy Zyw, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd