Highlights: Two from Merstone wines in Bedfordshire, UK
Merstone Wines Hungerhill Vineyard Chardonnay Voltis 2024 Bedfordhshire, England
11% alcohol. Hand picked in October, then fermented and aged in Burgundy barrels. Unfiltered and unfined. This has a hint of leafy elderflower on the nose, but also some ripe citrus fruit. The palate is bright and textured with a bit of spicy depth from the oak, showing vivid citrus fruit, a touch of green apple and pear, and then some nice acidity on the finish, together with some saline hints. It’s a really good wine, offering character and pleasure. 90/100
Merstone Wines Hungerhill Vineyard Pet-Nat 2025 Bedfordhshire, England
Dornfelder and Bacchus are the grapes here. It gushes a bit on opening (this is undisgorged), with maybe half a glass leaving, so take care on opening. It’s cloudy with some yeasty cherry and strawberry aromas. In the mouth this is bright and lively with some green hints, a touch of elderflower, some peach and also some cranberry. It’s really tasty and engaging, finishing with brisk acidity. There’s a lovely savoury, yeasty, bready undercurrent to the fruit here. 90/100
