10% Discount

on mixed and un-mixed cases of 12 bottles

5% Discount

5% off mixed cases of 6

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2021 PINOT NOIR, Danbury Ridge. Essex

Bin:  440

Alcohol percentage:  13%

Area:

Danbury Ridge is in east Essex (the other side of Chelmsford) between the Blackwater estuary to the north and the river Crouch to the south. They proudly and rightly say this is the warmest and driest part of England.
Most of the vineyards (Octagon, Polo and Sleipnir) are on the estate but some (like Spar Hill Vineyard) are a little further east, towards the sea. Soils are sandy gravel over London clay.

Grape variety:

Pinot Noir, de-stemmed but not crushed, before fermentation at cool temperatures, matured for a year in French oak (from Francois Frères, 40% new wood).

Producer:

Michael and Heather Bunker already lived on the estate when they realised its potential for vineyards in 2012. They set about the conversion with extraordinary enthusiasm. Their masterstroke was to employ the thoughtful and intelligent Liam Idzikowski as winemaker, previously at Lyme Bay. They have also brought John Atkinson MW on board as a consultant, firming up their desire to concentrate on the single aim of producing England’s best still wines.

Old Bridge rating:

Yes, this is obviously expensive Pinot Noir! But it’s from an estate making tiny quantities, with no expense spared in the process. It also happens to be of truly exceptional quality – breaking new ground for English still wine.

Press review:

“Richly fragrant with ripe plum fruit aromas, this is another terrific wine from winemaker Liam Idzikowski. Smooth and silky with definite notes of creamy oak, it’s a polished and ripe-fruited English Pinot with swagger and style”. Susie Barrie, Decanter Magazine, December 2022.

£39.00

£37.05 per bottle in a mixed case of 6 bottles
£35.10 per bottle in a mixed case of 12 bottles