Wyfold Vineyard Brut 2016

English sparkling wine now rivals Champagne in both quality and price. As The Times (one of the U.K.’s leading newspapers) reports, “the Champagne grapes of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, grown in the right spot, with the right pair of Champagne method-knowledgable hands, do make something as magical as Champagne.” And we have found a brilliant example in Wyfold Vineyard’s signature Brut release.

Back in 2003, Barbara Laithwaite planted a hectare of vines—super tiny by wine production standards—in Oxfordshire’s Chiltern Hills. This prime spot has sunny, south-facing slopes, a relatively high altitude (100 meters above sea level) and well-draining gravel soils. These conditions combine to yield grapes with beautiful ripeness, freshness and complexity.

The inaugural release of Barbara’s Brut sparkler won the top prize at the prestigious Judgment of Parsons Green (an elite English sparkling wine competition), and more awards have followed ever since. At over five years of age, her 2016 vintage is drinking deliciously and every bit as impressive as its acclaimed predecessors. In fact, it was rated 93 points and named the Best Brut of the Year in Tim Atkin’s England Special Report by Tom Hewson. He raved:

“I just kept coming back to this bottle for its cohesion, grace and purity, cool and invigorating but without a trace of greenness. A terrific Brut Reserve.”

Look forward to complex honeyed citrus, summer fruit and toasted brioche aromas and flavors. The palate offers a creamy mousse and long, elegant finish, making this bubbly ideal for celebratory toasts or pairing with hors d’oeuvres or seafood.

Given the small size of the estate and Barbara’s strict quality standards, there’s very little of this fine English fizz to go around. Hurry to secure your share.