Highlights: two from Roebuck Estates, Sussex, England
Roebuck Estates is new to me (they are a relatively new arrival on the UK wine scene), but I was really impressed by these two releases. They have four vineyards across Sussex planted between 2006 and 2017. The wines are made by Emma Rice.
Roebuck Estates Blanc de Noirs 2015 Sussex, England
12% alcohol. Made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Roman Villa Vineyard foothills of the South Downs in West Sussex. Quite rich in colour, this is a decadent, expressive Blanc de Noirs with notes of cherry, apple and lemons. There are hints of nut and toast, and the flavour builds beautifully across the palate, reaching quite a volume. Finishes vivid and spicy with a crystalline edge. A lovely fruit-driven expression of fizzy Pinot, this is really impressive. 93/100
Roebuck Estates Classic Cuvée 2014 Sussex, England
12% alcohol. This is from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Base wine aged for a long time on lees in French oak barrels. This has quite a deep colour, and a nose of honey, nuts, toast and spice. On the palate there’s keen acidity, but also an intrinsic richness. Bold and spicy with honey, baked apple, pear and nectarine notes as well as a core of lemony fruit, and a cherry flourish. It’s a really rich style, no doubt helped by the barrel ageing of the base wines, but it works really well. 91/100 (£35 Roebuckestates.co.uk, Southdowncellars.co.uk)
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