
2016 Rathfinny, Blanc de Noirs, 3x1.5ltr
2016 Rathfinny, Blanc de Noirs, 3x1.5ltr
Rathfinny’s signature cuvée has a delicate, rose gold hue and an expressive nose with lifted aromas of morello cherry, toasted hazelnut and baked apple. The palate expertly combines delicacy and weight, with rich texture and autolytic complexity complemented by a fine vein of acidity which lifts the finish.
Rathfinny’s signature cuvée has a delicate, rose gold hue and an expressive nose with lifted aromas of morello cherry, toasted hazelnut and baked apple. The palate expertly combines delicacy and weight, with rich texture and autolytic complexity complemented by a fine vein of acidity which lifts the finish.
Availability: In stock
Case size: 3 / Bottle size: 1.5l
Duty Status
From £169.00
Critics Score: 93
Publication: Neal Martin, Vinous
Drinking Dates: 2020-2032
The 2016 Blanc de Noirs is aged for 36 months in bottle with a dosage of 3g/L. It has a burnished silvery hue. The well-delineated nose is an absolute delight, presenting scents of orange pith, brioche, toasted pine nuts and a hint of white peach in the background. The palate is well poised with a light walnut opening, quite saline in the mouth and precise toward the finish; a touch of blackberry appears on the aftertaste. Impressive energy and sophistication are clear to see in what might be one of England's best Blanc de Noirs. Highly recommended.
2016 Rathfinny, Blanc de Noirs, 3x1.5ltr
93% Pinot Noir and 7% Meunier
Producer:
This family-owned estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in April 2012. Rathfinny’s estate vineyard now extends to over 93 hectares in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. Lying on a south-facing slope, their estate vineyard is predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier as well as small plantings of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The site benefits from a semi-continental maritime climate and free-draining chalk soils, providing the ideal conditions to ripen grapes. Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit for their four traditional-method sparkling wines: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé, as well as their still white wine. Each of their wines is produced and labelled as a vintage wine.
Vineyards:
The estate vineyard is protected from the worst of the prevailing south westerly winds by a natural ridge that runs along the southern edge of the Estate. Sustainability and stewardship of the land are at the heart of Rathfinny’s philosophy. The team have worked closely with Natural England and the South Downs National Park, to implement a programme which enhances local wildlife habitats and reclaims areas of natural chalk grassland. Rathfinny’s focus on the environment, and commitment to sustainability and soil health, ensure excellent quality fruit.
Vinification:
The grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and vinified with as little intervention as possible. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel at 16°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine was aged 36 months on lees to develop autolytic complexity and rich mouthfeel. Following disgorgement, the wine received a low dosage of 3g/l to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place.
Vintage:
Budburst was timely, although it was very wet prior to flowering. As a result, flowering was slightly later than usual. Fruit set was successful, despite July and the early part of August coming in cooler than normal. The second half of August brightened up with some very warm days. This favourable, dry weather continued throughout September and until the end of the season, ensuring ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Harvest began in late October.
93% Pinot Noir and 7% Meunier
Producer:
This family-owned estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in April 2012. Rathfinny’s estate vineyard now extends to over 93 hectares in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. Lying on a south-facing slope, their estate vineyard is predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier as well as small plantings of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The site benefits from a semi-continental maritime climate and free-draining chalk soils, providing the ideal conditions to ripen grapes. Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit for their four traditional-method sparkling wines: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé, as well as their still white wine. Each of their wines is produced and labelled as a vintage wine.
Vineyards:
The estate vineyard is protected from the worst of the prevailing south westerly winds by a natural ridge that runs along the southern edge of the Estate. Sustainability and stewardship of the land are at the heart of Rathfinny’s philosophy. The team have worked closely with Natural England and the South Downs National Park, to implement a programme which enhances local wildlife habitats and reclaims areas of natural chalk grassland. Rathfinny’s focus on the environment, and commitment to sustainability and soil health, ensure excellent quality fruit.
Vinification:
The grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and vinified with as little intervention as possible. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel at 16°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine was aged 36 months on lees to develop autolytic complexity and rich mouthfeel. Following disgorgement, the wine received a low dosage of 3g/l to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place.
Vintage:
Budburst was timely, although it was very wet prior to flowering. As a result, flowering was slightly later than usual. Fruit set was successful, despite July and the early part of August coming in cooler than normal. The second half of August brightened up with some very warm days. This favourable, dry weather continued throughout September and until the end of the season, ensuring ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Harvest began in late October.
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