Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2017, Kent

This might just be my new favourite English Blanc de Blancs; which is no surpirse when you find it on the menu of illustrious fine dining establishments such as Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons, Kerridge's and the Clove Club. It's also been served at Buckingham Palace and was used at the opening ceremony for the London Olympics 2012.Winemaker Charlie Holland believes this is the truest expression of the Gusbourne terroir. He selects the finest lots of Chardonnay, which exhibit natural minerality. He ensures that the wine has both the finesse and elegance that you would expect in this style; it is drinking well now, but if you can be patient it has the necessary qualities for extended ageing.It is pale golden in colour with a fine mousse. The nose is full of ripe citrus, pink grapefruit and pear, with white floral notes. On the palate the wine shows generous fruit flavours, highlighting ripe lemon, nectarine and crunchy green apple, with a flinty, saline mierality. Toasted brioche, shortbread and hazelnut notes build layers of complexity, adding to an elegance and energy that combine to create a beautiful example of Blanc de Blancs.