Gusbourne Guinevere Chardonnay 2021

Produced by Gusbourne, one of England's pioneering modern wine estates, Guinevere is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Boot Hill Vineyard in Appledore, Kent. Established in 2004 by Andrew Weeber, Gusbourne has become particularly recognised for its traditional-method sparkling wines, although its still Chardonnay demonstrates the increasing potential of English viticulture. Boot Hill occupies a south-facing escarpment overlooking the Romney Marsh, with clay and sandy loam soils and a relatively warm, dry microclimate moderated by coastal breezes. The 2021 growing season was challenging, with a cool spring, delayed flowering and considerable rainfall, followed by warmer conditions in September and October that allowed the grapes to reach maturity. Produced entirely from Chardonnay clones 548 and 95, the grapes were hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barriques, followed by ten months of maturation in oak, 20% new. The wine combines aromas of honeyed citrus, green apple and toasted hazelnuts with buttered toast, sweet spice and orange blossom. The palate is elegant and finely textured, with lemon zest, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced saline character supported by fresh acidity. A compelling example of barrel-fermented English Chardonnay, with considerable concentration and ageing potential.