Tasting Notes
Lots of delicousness! It tastes surprisingly like Burgundy. I would say better than most Bourgogne Pinot Noir, more like a nice village Beaune. It's lovely, smooth and interesting. It's just so wonderful that it comes from England. It's drinking well now. The tannins are really easy. The acidity is not too high. It will get more complex over the next two years. What a find!
More Info
I discovered Althorne after being sent a bottle of 2020 by the winemaker, Liam, who was helping out the owner, Bob. It was delicious. This was followed up by two bottles of 2021 in July. I got into the first bottle immediately, as I couldn't wait. I was stunned by the nose and the quality. I suppose I was almost in a state of disbelief as I finished the last sip. Could it really have been that good, from England? And then a couple of weeks later, my parents were visiting. I caught a couple of lobsters from our local beach, and thought this must surely be the wine to open. And, yes, it was every bit as delicious and thrilling at the first bottle. We all loved it. Even my mum, who doesn't like many a Chardonnay, was excited by it. As soon as I'd drunk the second sample bottle, I was in touch with owner, Bob Hollingsbee, making an appointment to see him the following week with three colleagues. It was really incredible to set eyes on this patch of land that is making wine of this quality.