2022 Octagon Block Mixed Case (3 x Chardonnay, 3 x Pinot Noir)
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The 2022 Chardonnay Octagon Block is from the gravelly loam and clay mixture of this single site in Essex. This aged for 18 months in 50-60% new oak and a further half year in stainless steel. There's a creaminess and absolutely lemon-tinged dried corn husk aroma on the nose. The palate tapers totally into freshness, aligned around a core of bright, smooth acidity radiating out against a yeasty backdrop, pitching this as an interesting contrast between richness and austerity.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
From their own vines, planted in 2014, with gravel and sand over clay. Fermented and aged 18 months in oak, 50% new. Similar style to the straight Chardonnay but it smells deeper, with a light impression of oak spice. More intensity, more grip, still has elegant structure and pure, dry finesse. Chewy and very very good. (JH)
Full specially fluted bottle all of 1,552 g. 2,948 bottles produced. Pretty deep straw. Rich but tense nose – rather scrummy! Riper than many white burgundies but with definite freshness and savour. Pretty damned smart. Refreshing hints of tangerine. Already very complete. Sophisticated. I may well be underestimating its active life. (JR)