March 2, 2024 - This is with lively floral nose and tonnes of crispy apples in the mouth. Medium weighted, well balanced, easy drinking.
February 26, 2024 - No info on the bottle except Lot 2257L. From the producer website: 45/41/11/3 C/PN/PM/PB (plus a rather ridiculous dog-whistle for the Brexiteers about freedom from grape variety restrictions allowing them to have the Pinot Blanc, which is, of course, a variety allowed in champagne). 8g/l dosage.
On first opening this is rather aggressive, tart and unapproachable, but it takes just a few minutes of air for it to smooth out nicely. The nose is somewhat floral, with hints of strawberry and brioche (sorry Brexiteers!). The palate is crisp, citric on entry, then strawberry and ripe apple. The only detracting aspect of this wine for me is the finish, which I find just a little cloying.
But overall, this is a very decent party fizz, comparable with many champagnes, and decent value at the ~US$28 that I paid.
February 9, 2024 - Nose: yeast, citrus, quince, strawberry.
Palate: tart, some minerality, brioche.
Quite sharp, and not as mellow as some ESW have gotten over the past couple years. Some potential for development here, so maybe save some for later?
December 23, 2023 - Great all-rounder/xmas wine
December 7, 2023 - Pale straw, lively delicate mousse. Aromas of bakery and apple danish. Dry with a note of sweetness (remaining fruit sugar?), apple, strawberry and lime pith.
A delicious quaff.
August 28, 2023 - Red apple, citrus fruits and freshly baked bread, some strawberry and quince on the palate. Fine persistent mousse - although perhaps a little too frothy. Clean finish. Opens up with time in the glass to show some autolysis, although only aged 18 months on the lees. Very good value at the Waitrose 25% off price or £120 for 6.
July 24, 2023 - Sharp, clean, very precise on the palate. Notes of quince and pear.
June 28, 2023 - British Bubbles in Tokyo (Fireking Cafe, Shibuya, Tokyo): WOTN for me!
Big shortbread on the aftertaste. Terrific acidity. Prominent baked & stewed apple flavor initially...rich & creamy, but I wish the bubbles were finer.
Outshines many a more expensive bottle. Quality English sparkling!
Group rating #1/6 (I agree!)
June 10, 2023 - En god engelsk musserende til prisen. Moden gul frukt og grønt eple sammen. I tillegg har den litt nybakt brød og salt. Litt hissige bobler, høy syre og ganske god lengde.
May 6, 2023 - Fresh and brisk with tonnes of pink lady apples.