2009 Tillington Single Vineyard

Brave wine that was launched as England's first ambitiously priced, single-vineyard fizz. I have witnessed how convincing it is for those who taste it without preconceptions. Excellent balance and some depth of flavour. (JR)

Quite deep bronze pale gold. Heady, well developed nose. Lightly appley and definitely with more interest than most English fizz. Lightly honeyed. Not the driest. But it does have some autolysis on the nose. Clean finish. Delicate bead.   (JR)

Pinot Noir in one of their new (second crop, planted 2006) vineyards stood out. Needed a little bit, 21%, of Chardonnay from the same vineyard. This bottle was disgorged back in March after only just over a month on lees. All malo. TA 8 g/l, RS 11 g/l. Just a few thousand bottles made. Well balanced, intriguing nose. Very well balanced and mouthfilling. Very lovely nose – just a little hard on the finish. But maybe the final cuvée will be a little more graceful. Neat finish. Pretty light nose but a good, well-balanced one. Maybe the sweetness is a little obvious on the finish. Launched in 2013. I suggest they keep lots to submit for blind tastings. (JR)