This morning Charlie Mount of Nyetimber Vineyards in Sussex, kindly presented us the vineyard's latest release - their 2005.
We have tasted a number of vintages of Nyetimber and really rate this fantastic English sparkling wine as a genuinely good alternative to classic Champagne. People remember the hot summer of 2003 and Nyetimber's robust Classic Cuvee 2003 has been a big success and is now all but sold out.
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It's not often that an Englishman can boast of sporting success, however the mere mention of the summer of 2005 brings back nostalgic memories of our historic victory over the Australians in The Ashes cricket. It must be grudgingly conceded that our cousins from down-under have "the edge" in both climatic warmth and in their ability to produce world class still wines. But in Nyetimber, Old England can now claim to have a world class sparkling wine producer which can certainly give any Aussie fizz a run for its money!
Nyetimber recently won the International Wine & Spirits Competition Trophy for Best Worldwide Sparkling Wine for the third time (in addition to numerous other awards previously) and the 2005 is clear proof that the winery continues to go from strength to strength.
The weather in 2005 wasn't only favourable for cricket, as the long dry days of June produced ideal conditions for flowering. This was followed by a moderate mid-summer (when is an English summer not moderate?) and then a warm autumn bringing the grapes to perfect ripeness.
England's Victorious 2005 Ashes Team
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The grapes were harvested in October and then vinified and left on its lees in barrel with the final blend being 62% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier.
Tasting note: The colour is a straw yellow (or Australian gold?) with a nose of honeysuckle, almonds and fresh Pinot fruit. The palate is balanced superbly, with the citrus, brioche, and vanilla flavours all coming together with richness and freshness. A classy wine with great structure. Lovely enduring finish. By chance it so happened that we were tasting it next to a 2000 vintage Champagne, from a well known house and the consensus was that the Nyetimber performed the best (despite being about half the price).
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We think Nyetimber 2005 outshines the excellent 2003 and is probably the best Nyetimber they have produced yet. I suggest you buy a case to enjoy this summer. You might even save a bottle or two to toast our boys when they defend the Ashes this Christmas in Australia!
