Nyetimber, Rosé, Brut, Sussex, England

45–75% Pinot Noir, 25–55% Chardonnay and >5% Pinot Meunier. South-facing vineyards with either sandy or chalk soils. Each vineyard parcel is treated uniquely, from hand-picking to pressing to vinification in separate tanks. Malolactic conversion and minimum of three years on lees. 15% of blend aged in 3rd-, 4th- and 5th-fill French oak barrels. TA 7.7 g/l, pH 3.17, RS 9 g/l. Vegan. Bottled under Diam. Bottle weight 831 g.

Rather subtle, pale salmon pink. A very distinctive, subtle nose. It tastes dry, in fact, almost aggressively dry. Quite youthful.

Drink 2024 - 2027

February 2020 disgorgement.

The NV Rosé, based on the 2016 vintage, was bottled in April 2017 and disgorged in February 2020. The nose is equidistant in style between the 2014 and 2015 base and is my pick of the three tasted here; it isvery cohesive and delineated with red cherries, strawberry and rose petal scents. The nicely balanced palate features pear, raspberry and touches of wild mushroom and pawpaw. Toward the finish, it veers more to the slightly heavier style of the 2014 base, though I find more tension here. This is very promising.

Made with 10% to 20% reserve wine, this is one of the driest wines from Nyetimber, with residual sugar at 9g/l. Summer berry fruits, toasted biscuits on the nose, it has fresh raspberry, crunchy green apple acidity on the palate, rounded by brioche notes. The refreshing lime peel and mineral bitterness follow to the long finish, perfect for lightly seasoned shellfish.

Disgorged in February 2020 and based on the 2016 vintage, Nyetimber's latest NV Brut Rosé is showing very nicely. It mingles the scents of cherries and strawberries with hints of mandarin, plums, and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and complete, with a vibrant core of elegantly fleshy fruit, bright acids, and a pillowy mousse, this has turned out very well. In fact, it's the finest rosé I've tasted from this address.

Drink 2021 - 2030