Highlights: Litmus Red Pinot 2018 England
This is made by Litmus Wines at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. It’s called ‘Red Pinot’ because it is a sister wine to the ‘White Pinot’ that they have been making for a few years. It’s 100% Pinot Noir, and it comes from the famous 2018 vintage, which was plentiful and warm. This is one of the best Pinot Noirs I’ve tried from the UK. Yes, the 2018 vintage will have helped – but, still, they’ve done a fantastic job with the élevage.
Litmus Red Pinot 2018 England
13% alcohol. Cold soak before ferment then 19 months in barrel (ages 1-5 years). Pale cherry red in colour, this has lovely aromas of sweet cherry fruits with a hint of sappy greenness and some undergrowth notes. Nicely complex. The palate is smooth and elegant, with a silky texture to the sweet red cherry and strawberry fruit. There’s a bit of spiciness, and more of the forest undergrowth character, with a hint of oak that’s very well integrated. Lovely elegance and finesse here, with nice texture, too. Very stylish and quite elegant. 92/100 (£25 from https://www.litmusenglishwine.co.uk/shop/red-pinot-2018)
