Albourne Estate Selection 2019

Albourne Estate Selection is vineyard owner and winemaker Alison’s favourite of the still wines she produces and we can see why! The 2019 vintage is led by Chardonnay, with Ortega and a small amount of Bacchus. This wine is elegantly textured, restrained yet smooth and fresh at the same time. There are a range of layered aromas ranging from jasmine, apricot to melon. It has fresh peach, apricot and nutty flavours with a lovely smoothness, fresh citrus finish and excellent length. A proportion of the Chardonnay was reserve wine from the 2018 vintage matured in large French oak barrels for 12 months which has contributed to its smoothness, body and complexity.

2019 was a good year for English wines, following on from the excellent 2018 vintage.  Another excellent wine from the Albourne Estate. If you are a fan of English wine – or you don’t believe English wine can be just as good as comparably priced white wine from other countries – you should try this high-quality Estate Selection which is a most accomplished white wine and comparable to Chablis.

Brilliant value from us as other merchants sell this wine £15.95 – £16.99.

Latest Review – Matthew Jukes in The Vineyard Magazine September 2021

“If any winery in the country thinks that they can live without oak in their armoury then they are mistaken and this wine will show you why.
Made from Chardonnay, Ortega and a dribble of Bacchus, this wine is a masterclass in assembling a thoughtful blend from delicate components in a sensitive and beautifully balanced manner.”

 

While Ortega (22%) has its own particular juiciness, the oak in this wine was only deployed in the Chardonnay component and it was done with devastating precision. Bacchus’s job is to come in on the finish in order to bring levity and a snap of acidity. The Chardonnay was kept on its lees in a mix of new and older barrels and this allowed it to build in succulence and faint biscuitiness without adding any carpentry notes whatsoever to the finished wine. The result is a harmonious and complex white with summer orchard fruit, gentle florals and nice citrus touches and, given the value for money, it is definitely one of the most discreet and yet intellectually stimulating white wines of the year.”

Decanter Silver Medal 2020

“Plenty of complexity and concentration on show, with green apple and nectarine to the fore, bound in an attractive texture and refreshing acidity. 91 Points: Silver Medal: Decanter World Wine Awards 2020.

Reviews of previous vintages

“English-hedgerow florals and super-crisp white fruit. Tongue-tingling acidity! This has the shocking freshness of an ice-cold shower! Green gooseberries and tarragon. Move over Muscadet and bring me oysters.’” Reviewed by www.JancisRobinson.com (April 2020)

“I was very excited to try the latest wines from Albourne; this range not only looks wonderful, but also demonstrates the Estate’s signature vibrancy and clarity.”

 

“A wonderfully ripe, fresh blend. A striking wine with interesting textures and complexities that will hold your interest throughout.” John Mobbs of Great British Wine

Albourne Estate has just under 11 hectares (30 acres) in gently rolling hills, near Hassocks in West Sussex, with stunning views to the Devils Dyke. The vineyards were planted in 2010 when Alison Nightingale (co-owner) finally found the site she had been looking for which ticked all the boxes to provide excellent drainage, low frost risk and maximum sun exposure, critical factors in achieving successful vine growth and grape ripeness at this northerly latitude. 2013 was their first vintage; this has been followed by the warmer and excellent 2014 vintage.

The striking labels feature wildlife that are regularly seen in the Albourne Estate and are painted by a local artist. The Estate Selection label features a Green Woodpecker. We also stock Albourne Estate Bacchus which features a stunning Buzzard, Albourne Estate White Pinot Noir which features a common blue butterfly, and Albourne Estate Cellar Selection featuring a dandelion,  on their respective labels.

Food match: Terrific aperitif and equally good with seafood, salads and chicken dishes.