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Cradle Valley Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris 2016

Sussex

On tasting this fine wine, Hugh Johnson exclaimed “Is this the best English white?” It’s from the Rathfinny Wine Estate, near Alfriston in Sussex. Founders Mark and Sarah Driver are ambitious and it shows in the superb quality of this elegant white.

Beyond the Label

Tasting notes

Taut linear minerality underscoring the bright lemon and apple fruit

Aroma

Apple, pear, citrus and wet stone

Cradle Valley Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris 2016

More information

  • 12.0% ABV
  • 9.0 Units
  • 750.00 ml
  • 31 December, 2022
  • Vegan

This is an exciting fine white from Rathfinny. The estate was founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver. Mark, a former hedge fund manager, and Sarah, a writer, searched long and hard for the perfect location and found it – a superb, south-facing site, just three miles from the sea and protected from strong winds by a rockface above. The soils are chalky, ideal for both still and sparkling wines. They planted their first vines in 2012 and made their first still wine vintage in 2014. Just this year they released their first fine sparkling wine. With 74 hectares of vineyard and more planned, Rathfinny aim to be one of largest wine estates in England. Already, with a tasting room and restaurant, they are a highlight on Sussex’s fine wine trail.

"Restrained, saline nose and crunchy pear aromas. Very pleasant and well balanced whistle-clean fruit" Richard Hemming MW
jancisrobinson.com
Map showing Sussex
Tasting note information