Chardonnay, Clonal Blend, Sussex, 2023
Our Clonal Blend Chardonnay represents the culmination of our dedication to exploring and celebrating the nuances of clonal diversity within Chardonnay. By bringing together the best attributes of three individual clones—Clone 95, Clone 96, and Clone 121—we've created a balanced, expressive estate wine that reflects the unique terroirs of our vineyards in Thakeham and Pulborough, West Sussex. These sites offer a rich spectrum of character, from delicate minerality and fresh acidity to a rich, concentrated body and aromatic lift.
In crafting this blend, we focused on thoughtful composition: 50% Clone 121 contributes a green fruit profile with a delicate floral edge, 25% Clone 96 brings vibrant aromatic intensity, and 25% Clone 95 offers weight and texture. Staying true to our low-intervention philosophy, we used natural yeast fermentation, aging on gross lees, and minimal handling. A portion of the Clone 95 component underwent aging in a ceramic vessel under flor, adding a nuanced layer of bruised green apple and nuttiness.
The resulting Chardonnay is both complex and approachable, showcasing notes of honeysuckle, chamomile, almond, and a medley of green and stone fruits. With a creamy yet fresh texture, it delivers a long, balanced finish with minerality and a touch of underfloor complexity.
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from semi-soft cheeses to richer seafood like monkfish, offering a vibrant yet elegant drinking experience that we're proud to share.
Our Clonal Blend Chardonnay represents the culmination of our dedication to exploring and celebrating the nuances of clonal diversity within Chardonnay. By bringing together the best attributes of three individual clones—Clone 95, Clone 96, and Clone 121—we've created a balanced, expressive estate wine that reflects the unique terroirs of our vineyards in Thakeham and Pulborough, West Sussex. These sites offer a rich spectrum of character, from delicate minerality and fresh acidity to a rich, concentrated body and aromatic lift.
In crafting this blend, we focused on thoughtful composition: 50% Clone 121 contributes a green fruit profile with a delicate floral edge, 25% Clone 96 brings vibrant aromatic intensity, and 25% Clone 95 offers weight and texture. Staying true to our low-intervention philosophy, we used natural yeast fermentation, aging on gross lees, and minimal handling. A portion of the Clone 95 component underwent aging in a ceramic vessel under flor, adding a nuanced layer of bruised green apple and nuttiness.
The resulting Chardonnay is both complex and approachable, showcasing notes of honeysuckle, chamomile, almond, and a medley of green and stone fruits. With a creamy yet fresh texture, it delivers a long, balanced finish with minerality and a touch of underfloor complexity.
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from semi-soft cheeses to richer seafood like monkfish, offering a vibrant yet elegant drinking experience that we're proud to share.
Our Clonal Blend Chardonnay represents the culmination of our dedication to exploring and celebrating the nuances of clonal diversity within Chardonnay. By bringing together the best attributes of three individual clones—Clone 95, Clone 96, and Clone 121—we've created a balanced, expressive estate wine that reflects the unique terroirs of our vineyards in Thakeham and Pulborough, West Sussex. These sites offer a rich spectrum of character, from delicate minerality and fresh acidity to a rich, concentrated body and aromatic lift.
In crafting this blend, we focused on thoughtful composition: 50% Clone 121 contributes a green fruit profile with a delicate floral edge, 25% Clone 96 brings vibrant aromatic intensity, and 25% Clone 95 offers weight and texture. Staying true to our low-intervention philosophy, we used natural yeast fermentation, aging on gross lees, and minimal handling. A portion of the Clone 95 component underwent aging in a ceramic vessel under flor, adding a nuanced layer of bruised green apple and nuttiness.
The resulting Chardonnay is both complex and approachable, showcasing notes of honeysuckle, chamomile, almond, and a medley of green and stone fruits. With a creamy yet fresh texture, it delivers a long, balanced finish with minerality and a touch of underfloor complexity.
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from semi-soft cheeses to richer seafood like monkfish, offering a vibrant yet elegant drinking experience that we're proud to share.