N.V. Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee

The NV Classic Cuvee comes from chalky slopes on the evocatively named Windmill Down and comes mainly from the 2016 harvest, augmented by reserve wines, and bottled in June 2017 after a minimum of 35 months on the lees. The dosage is 4.5g/L. The voluminous bouquet displays scents of Braeburn apples, baking bread, light melon and shale-like aromas that are very harmonious and well defined. The palate is fresh with a sharp citric peel note on the entry that enlivens the senses. Taut and steelier than expected, this is a vibrant and tensile Brut whose salinity begs for some seafood to accompany it. Excellent. 91 points