Painter of Light Clayhill Vineyard Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay. This is an aromatic white wine with citrus, honeydew melon and stone fruits over hints of ginger and almond. Peach, zippy lime and a smoky, flinty finish make up a palate that’s both intense and refreshing. A real testament to quality English winemaking. Essex grapes, London urban winery. A cold, wet harvest. The grapes came from a third-generation farmer, Dale Simmons. South-facing vineyard planted in 2006 with a commission for Chapel Down who get 50% of the fruit. 10- to 12-acre (4- to 5-ha) site. Blackbook takes 6 tons of fruit from him, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay is a single burgundian clone, 277. Whole-bunch pressed and fermented in Burgundy barrels with the grapes’ indigenous yeast is a low intervention and characterful method of winemaking. 20% is new oak, the rest old. Whole-bunch pressed and fermented in Burgundy barrels with the grapes’ indigenous yeast is a low intervention and characterful method of winemaking. 20% is new oak, the rest old. The wine is finally aged for 11 months prior to bottling. ABV 12%