(2025) From Barbara Laithwaite's two-hectare Oxfordshire estate this wine spent six years on the lees. It is a blend of 56% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 11% Pinot Meunier. The long ageing in bottle is apparent in aromas with plenty of biscuit and yeasty autolyitic aromas, bruised apple but also a fresher and juicier peach coming through. Well balanced and polished on the palate, it's a nicely mature style where fruit is still driving, but the toasty and mineral notes and excellent acidity push the finish.
(2022) This open with aromas of small, dry red berries with a nicely developed hint of yeasty, lightly smoky biscuit character. There's an initial rush of sweetness, surely a fairly high dosage, with tart red berries and lemon adding the contrast. This finishes decisive and dry, a hint of mineral salts adding to the freshness. As part of a mixed dozen the price will be less than £27.00.
