2016 Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard

From the first vines they put into the ground in 1988, Nyetimber have trailblazed a way through English winemaking. They were one of the very earliest producers to recognise that the greensand and chalk soils of the South Downs offered fabulous south-facing slopes for the Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. With first mover advantage, they were able to acquire some of the very best vineyard sites in the south-eastern arc spanning Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.

In 2009, Nyetimber winemaker Cherie Spriggs was walking the vine rows for pre-harvest grape tasting, when she was stopped in her tracks by the quality of Pinot Noir she identified from one particular parcel. That discovery led to the creation of England’s first ever commercially produced single vineyard wine: from the eponymous West Sussex village, Tillington.

The newly-released 2016 Tillington is the fifth iteration of this sparkling wine cuvee, and probably the best ever. It is 73% Pinot Noir supported by 27% Chardonnay. After 8 years of aging, it is fresh and refined, a finely-textured, moreish blend of rose petal, orange and marzipan notes. Uncorked loved it, and the critical acclaim has been unanimous: wine writer Matthew Jukes has called it 'one of the most refined and detailed wines ever made in the UK'. If you haven’t yet started to age English wine in your cellar, 2016 Tillington is going to age in the way of fine Champagne.  /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines due to arrive late-Spring 2025. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998