1992 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs
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Tasting notes
Nyetimber's debut release, disgorged 2003, very kindly donated by Jérôme Moisan of English wine producer Pelegrims. This was the wine, made with Champagne grapes, the traditional method and technical help from Champagne under the auspices of Americans Stuart and Sandy Moss who then owned the Sussex estate, that first demonstrated that England could make a counterpart to champagne. Very slight fizz. Deep copper colour. But lovely evolution. Almost more like a mature Meursault than fizz. But it has lasted beautifully with a steely backbone. It's just lost the bubbles but otherwise it's in fine shape! Scored as for a still wine. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1992 Blanc de Blancs was bottled in spring 1993 and this particular bottle was disgorged in February 2020. It has a pale straw hue, slightly lighter than the 1996 by comparison. The nose is impressive considering its age, delivering damp straw, hints of honeysuckle and a touch of roasted pumpkin and fennel seeds. The palate is fully mature with fine acidity, quite citric and almost Chenin Blanc in style. A little waxy in texture, it feels slightly bitter toward the finish. Toasted sesame and Japanese mirin linger on the aftertaste. A historically important English sparkling wine, for sure, though my preference is for the 1996 when compared side by side. (February 2020 disgorgement)