Danbury Ridge, Chardonnay

Alcohol percentage: 13.5%

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:
100% Chardonnay; fermented and matured in French oak for 18 months.

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.

The Bottle Shop rating:
Ground-breaking quality. None of the lean, green-apple austerity that dominates most English still wine. This has ripeness but elegance. Very serious Chardonnay in Burgundian style.