Brindiwell, a new producer in Devon, England
Website: https://www.brindiwell.co.uk/pages/about-us
I first met James Matyear when he was managing the vineyard at Black Chalk. But with his wife Jo he’s now got his own project. Back in 2016 they found their site, and after diligent preparation, planted in 2018. Viticulture is organic less the certification, with no herbicides used. They’ve also planted 1000 native trees on the site, including 600 oak trees. This is very cool.
Brindiwell Blanc de Noirs 2022 Devon, England
12.2% alcohol. 26 months on lees, with 9% of the base wine aged in barrel. This is fresh and aromatic with lovely pure cherry and lemon fruit, showing nice delicacy and texture. Fruit-driven with real finesse and purity, and a hint of sherbetty brightness on the finish. The balance here is superb: it’s fruit dominant, but not techno, with some personality. This is the combination of a really good site, good viticulture and sensitive winemaking. And it’s just the first release. 92/100
Brindiwell Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 Devon, England
12.6% alcohol. Clones 114, 115 and 777, stainless steel ferment and ageing, 25% malolactic fermentation. Pale in colour, this is a really fine, delicate, textural rose with sweet red cherry fruit, a touch of redcurrant and raspberry, with some fine sappy, leafy hints in the background. There’s a nice sleek quality to the fruit, and it finishes with a fine crystalline spicy quality. This is really good. 92/100
