| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | England |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
KC1 smells like autumn, but KC2 smells like dawn in a citrus orchard. And hyssop. Lemom blossom and spill of warm white light, turning creamy as it begins to spread and pool. It's a wine that tastes of pomelo and bergamot, blood-orange bitterness flickering through the sweet-yellow fragrance of fruit. Delicately dusty spices are starting to weft into walnut, weaving the first breath of framework to come. Drink 2025-2032.
Kit's Coty lies in the heart of Kent's North Downs, and Whitewolfe is a south-facing plot that is guarded from the heaviest of rains and the bitter northeasterly winds (giving higher average temperatures) thanks to protection from the North Downs. The vines were only planted in 2020, but this is as exciting a project we have tasted for still wine in England. The harvest is done by clone, with each bottling representing a barrel selection of different clones from the site. KC2 is largely clones 95 and 121. 11 months in barrel. 13% abv with no chaptalisation. Pale silvery yellow in the glass the nose to the KC2 has a nod to Chablis - fresh butter, green fruit and the zest of lemon and grapefruit together with a hint of toasted cereals. The palate is sleek, with piercing acidity, steely citrus fruit and creamy lactic tones that again suggest a chablisienne style. Tingling with acidity from start to finish, this is not for the faint-hearted but acid lovers will enjoy this wine immensely. Mouthwatering yet creamy and savoury with leesy, lemon curd notes on the finish.
KC2 selects itself. Seven clones of Chardonnay, including some of the best-performing Burgundy clones, such as 76, 95, 96, and 121, are planted in their 9ha vineyard at the foot of Blue Bell Hill. This wine is a cunning barrel selection.
While KC1 plumps for the invisible oak, KC2 adores fruit-forward, opulent carpentry. This means KC2 has gorgeous silky-smooth, expressive, peachy succulence, and this sexy disposition makes it a ravishing early-drinking beauty.
You fall under this temptress’s spell in a moment, losing yourself in the flavour dance it performs on your palate. While KC1 seems brittle, wincingly youthful and reserved, KC2 is a genuinely delicious and mesmerising creation.
