Hoffmann & Rathbone, Classic Cuvée 2013

"Classic Cuvée is lush but impeccably balanced with a low 7g dosage and 3.5 years on the lees really allowing all elements to integrate naturally and completely. Sophisticated fruit, richly dry, with teasing chamomile and fresh ginger notes. This represents the next evolution in top English fizz." Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru International Wine Challenge 2018 Tranche 1 - Silver London Wine Competition 2018 - Silver Lyon International 2018 - Silver " Rathbone and Hoffmann's Winemaker, Ulrich Hoffmann, has an impressive international 16-year career to lean on. It was not only his passion for sparkling wine that finally bought Ulrich to New House Winery on the Mountfield Estate in Sussex, but a long, long-distance love affair with now wife Birgit Rathbone. The couple got to work, combined their names and the result is a collection of award winning English sparkling wine. Their fresh and delightful Classic Cuvée is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, aged for 36 month on lees. "The 2013 Classic Cuvée Brut is a youthful and energetic sparkling wine and shows classic cool climate characteristics. The aromas are fresh and bright with green apple, ripe grapefruit and pineapple followed by nuances of lemon custard, crème brûlée and toasted hazelnuts. White peach and crisp citrus flavours are carried with hints of pear and apple. The palate is further layered with sweet, spicy flavours of candied ginger. The texture is both viscous and mouth watering, and the wine has a balanced acidity and long finish that lingers on the palate.” Winemaker, Ulrich Hoffmann