Bolney Wine Estate’s 2018 vintage released

Last week I visited Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex to taste their 2018 vintages. While English sparkling wine seems to get all the press, English still wine is also getting better and better with every vintage.

2018 was an exceptional year, being one of the warmest on record, and that is reflected in the wines that Bolney showcased last week. Bolney Wine Estate originally started out as a still wine producer, they are one of the oldest, having been founded in 1972 and produce wines made from bacchus, pinot gris and pinot noir. They also produce some cracking sparkling wine but the focus of our tasting were the still wines.

MD and head wine maker, Sam Linter, was on hand to walk us through the tasting and give us a bit of insight into the 2018 vintage. Sam told us that due to…
“…an amazing summer harvest season has seen us create some exceptional vintage wines that will live long in the memory. That’s why we are delighted to be adding these 2018 additions to our portfolio – perfectly timed for the warm spring and summer months ahead.”

Winemake Alex Rabagliati, a Bolney winemaker also chimed in, saying… “A near-perfect growing season of clear blue skies gave us a remarkable crop in terms of both quality and quantity.  In 2018 we processed twice as much as in any previous vintage – which was some feat – and with the wines now in bottle we can look back in pride on an incredible achievement and a fabulous range of still wines for our customers to enjoy.”

I have to say, I have always been a bit sceptical of English still wines but the Bolney wines have definitely changed my mine. The 2018 Estate Pinot Noir was an excellent example of cool climate pinot noir, having good length and body, tasting of juicy red cherries and plums. And, at £19.99 a bottle, reasonably priced.

I really enjoyed the Estate Pinot Gris and Estate Bacchus as well. We tried the 2017 Bacchus which I think really benefited from an extra year in bottle. What I enjoyed most was that the wines had body and deep fruit flavours.

Bolney will be releasing a rose wine this summer but it was not available for us to try the day we visited.

While we were there we had a quick stroll through the vineyards and had a sneak peek at the new winery currently under construction. The new winery is due to be opened before the end of this summer.

I was invited as a guest of Bolney Wine Estate. All views and opinions my own.

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