2018 Rathfinny, Blanc de Blancs, 6x750ml

2018 Rathfinny, Blanc de Blancs, 6x750ml

Rathfinny’s Blanc de Blancs is pale lemon in colour with flecks of gold. The nose is characterised by aromas of lemon curd, pastry and citrus blossom. The palate displays fine balance with linear acidity and creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long with salty notes developing into richer aromas of roasted hazelnut and toast.

Availability: In stock

Case size: 6 / Bottle size: 750ml

Duty Status
From £147.00

Critics Score: 90

Publication: Decanter

Drinking Dates: 2022-2027

Rathfinny's Blanc de Blanc is sourced from coastal vineyards with chalky soils. Creamy yoghurts, lemon zest and Nashi pear on the nose with a touch of saline minerals. Lemon curd, steamed rice and white pepper-seasoned green fruits on the palate. Full malolactic fermentation combined with a warm year gives the wine more roundness and depth. Spicy and salivating on the finish.
100% Chardonnay

Producer: 
This family-owned estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in April 2012. Rathfinny’s estate vineyard now extends to over 93 hectares in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. Lying on a south-facing slope, their estate vineyard is predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier as well as small plantings of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The site benefits from a semi-continental maritime climate and free-draining chalk soils, providing the ideal conditions to ripen grapes. Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit for their four traditional-method sparkling wines: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé, as well as their still white wine. Each of their wines is produced and labelled as a vintage wine.

Vineyards:
The estate vineyard is protected from the worst of the prevailing south westerly winds by a natural ridge that runs along the southern edge of the Estate. Sustainability and stewardship of the land are at the heart of Rathfinny’s philosophy. The team have worked closely with Natural England and the South Downs National Park, to implement a programme which enhances local wildlife habitats and reclaims areas of natural chalk grassland. Rathfinny’s focus on the environment, and commitment to sustainability and soil health, ensure excellent quality fruit.

Vinification:
The Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and vinified with as little intervention as possible. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel at 16°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine was aged 36 months on lees to develop autolytic complexity and rich mouthfeel. Following disgorgement, the wine received a low dosage of 4g/l to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place.

Vintage:
Often referred to as the vintage of the decade, 2018 was one of the warmest summers on record. A mini-heatwave developed from April onwards, bringing on early flowering and dry weather that promoted good fruit set. New temperature records were set in July and August and, despite heavy rain in early September, the weather during harvest in October was very favourable. The fruit picked had an ideal balance of sugars and acidity.