The last of an English gem
When the first vines went into the ground at Nyetimber in 1988, bottle-fermented sparkling wines made from the classic varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier seemed like a crazy idea for damp, cool England. Fast-forward to the present day, and things could not look more different. A recent run of warm years has meant a series of excellent harvests. Many have walked the trail Nyetimber blazed. New, quality-minded producers are regularly appearing, while potential vineyard sites are getting snapped up (including by Champagne houses).
This is still a young success story. There is precious little mature stock of English sparkling wine available. But Nyetimber have just opened the cellar door on the very last of their 2009 Classic Cuvee - and it is a glorious chance to see how well top-quality English sparkling wine can mature.
Nyetimber no longer make Classic Cuvee as a single vintage expression. 2009 was a great English vintage, with very little frost, perfect flowering conditions and a warm, dry harvest. With the notes of almond, pastry and confectionary I would more associate with a classy maturing Champagne, the 2009 Classic Cuvee is beautifully expressive, and in a perfect place for drinking now. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available for collection now and delivery next week
