2013 Nyetimber 1086 Rose

The second release of Nyetimber's top rosé. 64% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay grown on greensand and chalk. Bottled 13 May 2014. Riddling date 9 January 2020. Disgorged 12 March 2020. Made from only five base wines and with a red portion of 14%. Base wines are fermented in stainless steel, with old oak barrels used to age the blend's red portion. From bottling to disgorging, this top cuvée spent just under six years ageing on lees and, so far, has had three and half years post disgorgement. TA 8 g/l, pH 3.2, RS 8 g/l. Pale orangey gold – more golden than pink – with lots of small bubbles. Intense aroma that reminds me of peaches and clementine though they are slightly hidden by the richness of the yeasty but subtle autolytic character. In the mouth, this is quite powerful, very slightly tannic in its grip but just right to complement the vibrant freshness and the mature complexity of red fruits and the first signs of sweet brioche. Like brioche filled with wild strawberries but it's an impression and only a subtle one with a long creamy aftertaste. Intensely satisfying and mouth-watering at the same time. (JH)