When Vicki, our buyer, opened over a dozen English sparkling wines for the Atlas team we were sceptical, to say the very least. So many of the English sparkling wines that we have tasted in the past revealed nervy acidity and little fruit concentration. We were impressed by Nyetimber’s line-up but truly floored by the 2003 Blanc de Blancs. Many of our clients were also charmed by the wine when it was shown against the Grande Marques and notable growers at our Champagne Tasting. So charmed, in fact, that we sold out of our allocation of the Blanc de Blancs 2003 on the back of the event. The 2003 is not Nyetimber’s most recent vintage release and with just over 400 cases produced, we are very fortunate to have been allocated additional cases.
It is not difficult to understand why Nyetimber is compared to Champagne. The Blanc de Blancs was aged on its lees for nearly nine years before it was disgorged in 2012, rivalling Champagne's devotion to cellar-ageing and quality at any cost. This is Grande Marque quality in a homegrown wine, made from Nyetimber’s own vineyards on the chalk and sandstone soils of the South Downs. There is an aroma of brioche and almond that one might find in the bouquet of a classic Champagne and excellent depth of flavour from the lees ageing but it is the gentle peach and cox apple complexity that is refreshingly English.
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2003 at £165 per 3 magnums in bond.
£165 per three magnums in bond
The 2003 vintage is, for English wine producers, historic. One of the warmest of summers, it was this year that really put good English sparkling on the map. 2003 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs exhibits aromas of biscuit and nuttiness allied with delicate orchard fruits. The palate is full of fruit and finesse, with a hint of brioche complexity and a smooth, almost creamy texture that comes from extended lees ageing. Beautiful energy throughout with refreshing citrus acidity that is kept in check by the succulent apple and almond flavours. A fine, lasting mousse and long finish. At £55 per magnum in bond this is incredible value and not only leads the English field but competes with some of the best Champagnes. Drink 2012-2020.
2003 Blanc de Blanc, Nyetimber, Sussex England
So much of the wine world is unchanging; the very best regions are producing the very best wines from the very best sites. Every so often, however, something different and exciting comes along. This is certainly the case with Nyetimber’s 2003 Blanc de Blancs which we are offering in magnum.