From the Wrekin vineyard slopes, hand-picked and a portion barrel-fermented. A delicately pale green-gold colour in the glass, and with an aromatic nose that is filled with granny smith apple, preserved lemon, vanilla and honey biscotti, mandarin peel, and a floral note of cherry blossom. Dry, juicily acidic and with a quite dashing saline oyster-shell minerality. Pithy and tart fruit tannins also play a part – balancing the wealth of fresh apricot, quince and pear flavours. I don’t quite find the waxy texture that this varietal is known for in Europe, but that will I think emerge with bottle age. Very well crafted, with a long, drying finish. 92pts
Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc 2020
