The wines of Hidden Spring, Sussex, England
Website: https://www.hiddenspring.co.uk/
In 2014 Dr David McNally and Chris Phipps bought a 23 acre campsite in Horam, East Sussex, and planted 13 acres of vines. Prior to being a campsite this had been a vineyard, but on a smaller scale. David makes the wines and Chris looks after the vineyard, and both are Plumpton trained. Initially they had some consulting winemaking help from Ulrich Hoffman. These wines are from the tricky rain-affected 2019 vintage, but they show nice purity and balance.
Hidden Spring Bacchus Fumé 2019 Sussex, England
11% alcohol. This is delicate and bright with attractive citrus fruit and a hint of elderflower. Light and fruit-driven. If there’s oak there, it’s hiding in the background, adding a bit of texture and palate weight. Very attractive, pure and focused. 88/100
Hidden Spring Chardonnay 2019 Sussex, England
This is a fruit-driven, crisp, high-acid style of Chardonnay with some warmth on the mid-palate. Subtle nuttiness, too on the finish, with a core of citrus and green apple fruit, a hint of pineapple and some vanilla and cedar woody notes in the background. Harmonious with a nice thread of acidity, this is quite stylish. 88/100
Hidden Spring Pinot Gris 2019 Sussex, England
There’s nice texture here. A light, expressive Pinot Gris with a bit of grapey richness and a rounded mid-palate, together with appealing pear and mandarin notes. A very pretty wine, finishing with a touch of apricot and spice. 90/100
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