Eye-catching stream of tiny, fine bubbles leads to a nose of lime leaf, sea breeze and a subtle undertone of florality, honey and dried apple rings. The vibrance of the crisp, fizzy lime and lemon sherbert tang is immediately apparent in the mouth, along with a grapefruit hint. Then a rich peacock’s tail of toasty, creamy, honeyed oatmeal cookie flavours unfolds. It’s full, rounded and textural but never loses its focus or taut tension because of the succulent acidity throughout. Beautifully composed, it is bright and fresh yet elegant, structured, genteel and rewardingly long.
The wine announces with an eye catching vigorous bubble. Typical yeast and cracker biscuit notes on the nose with lively citrus rind and a briny, maritime nuance is also apparent. The palate succeeds in being both refreshingly vibrant and simultaneously dry. Bright effervescence with creamy lees richness from its time in the bottle, with distinct brioche and sourdough toast notes vying with lively grapefruit and citrus flavours. Elegant, restrained, taut and thrilling, it’s beautifully poised yet equally flamboyant and exuberant! A gentle nutty note lingers on the long tail.
Lively stream of fine bubbles bring sherbert and lemon cream biscuit aromas to the nose. Vibrant, fresh and crisp in the mouth with those bright, citrus flavours promised by the nose immediately apparent. Tangy lime and grapefruit with a marmalade twist, and an understated apple and toast nuance which adds complexity and dimension. Beautifully resolved, elegant and composed with a resolved dry finale.
The subtle pale shade of coppery pink is eye-catching but the aromas of plum and red fruit, mingled with chalky limestone and fresh citrus simply add to the appeal. The energetic and zippy bubbles deliver the berried red fruit flavours to the tongue while the zesty citrus notes add acid balance add piquancy. Focussed, clean and dry with a faint but gentle brushstroke of creamy richness from yeast and lees that simply adds interest and complexity. Long-lived, stylish and refreshing throughout.
Palest blush pink hue with a lively “string of pearls” bubbles. Subtle cherry and raspberry aromas mingle with more prominent fresh sea breeze and oyster shell notes. Pink grapefruit tang with a hint of lemon zest are the first flavour impressions. Those make way for the briny sea breeze and oyster shell elements, along with a lime leaf and a chalky limestone mouthfeel. Overall, a complex mouthful with an understated red fruit nuance and a rich sourdough note from its time on the lees. Complex, cohesive and persistent.
Arresting bead of fine but vigorous bubbles that burst to the surface, carrying with it shy but complex aromas of citrus leaf, baked tarte tatin and a hint of lily-of-the-valley. Flavours of crunchy, tart, crisp green apple mingle with a kelpy, somewhat saline maritime note initially before becoming altogether richer, with baked bread, sesame cracker and even a roasted nut element becoming apparent. Complex and sophisticated with a superb balance of thrilling acid freshness and succulence with the fuller, creamy lees elements as well as retaining its vivid fruit expression. Poised, focussed, structured and long, it remains lively with citrus vibrance to the end.
