English sparkling wine! It's been a while. Unfortunately my good old Winston … ahh, Wiston of course – I know, this one is getting old - is still locked away in an inaccessible dungeon in bleeding Oxford. Hence, my thirst for English fizz had to be quenched by an equally attractive bubbely. Gusbourne's Brut Reserve from 2018 is a classic champagne'ish mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from chalk. It's hue showed bright adolescent radiance with little pink'sh sparkle. In the nose I got plenty of white roses and elder flowers, shy brioche, red apples, plenty of ripe strawberries, assorted nutty pastries and traces of orange oil. The ripe strawberries showed their bounty of shimmering aromas even more eloquent on my tongue. Same for the red apples – paired with some yellow pears. There was a fine portion of salt, restrained brioche and a bit more open hazelnutty pasteries with strawberries on top. The chalky mineral characteristics were accentuating this really convincing impression. Its body was quite refined and toned. Not all to big! However very fairly long. The mousse was very vital, perhaps almost a bit too oral cavity invigorating – okay, this 2018 was obviously far too young! I was perfectly aware of this … I just wanted to go for it! Who cares! I don't! It was a lot of fun combined with serious substance (for the future)! Downright very decent*****! Happy New Year Everybody!
