2013 Hoffmann and Rathbone Blanc de Blancs

This was one of those wines which really stopped us in our tracks, showing how the stunning potential of English Sparkling Wine.

Husband and wife team of Ulrich (Hoffman) and Birgit (Rathbone) had been winemaking all over the world before they found a few parcels in Sussex Weald with undeniable potential.

The wines are produced in tiny quantities part-aged in barrel and then matured for a minimum of seven years before release. For us this stood up with some of the great "Deluxe Cuvée" Champagnes - first hit with the rich, brioche and warming spice, followed by an intense, bracing, almost salty palate, with layers of complexity. Wow.