Gusbourne Estate, Brut Reserve Kent, South East England, United Kingdom 2015 (750mL)

Although Gusbourne Estate released their first vintage in 2006, the property itself is loaded with ancient history, and can be traced back to a John de Goosebourne some 610 years ago! It is here in Kent County, on the fringe of South East England, where grape-growing and sparkling wine has skyrocketed over the past couple of decades. Why? For one, climate change and grade-A terroir. It’s rainy and cold in Kent, but a gradual increase in temperatures, plus chalky clay-limestone soils, has created a Shangri-La for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier destined for sparkling wine production. 

We thought this was a dead-ringer for high-quality Champagne from Montagne de Reims, maybe a 2013 Grand Cru from Verzy or Verzenay. Given a few swirls and minutes to settle in the glass, the wine erupts with extremely finessed notes of yellow and red apple skin, Rainier cherry, baked pear, pineapple, bruised apricot, lemon curd, citrus zest, toasted almonds, brioche, fruitcake, crushed chalk, and a touch of honeysuckle. The vivid palate is soft and richly textured with remarkable acidity, freshness, and tension that serves to enliven each sip.