Roebuck Estates Rare Expressions No. 96, Sussex, England, 2014

Producer Profile

Roebuck Estates adopt a single-minded approach, using only the finest quality estate-grown grapes, from exceptional vineyard sites to create award-winning wines from classic Champagne varieties.

Located close to the historic market town of Petworth in West Sussex, Roebuck Estates was established in 2013 by two Brits, Mike Smith and John Ball, whose love of wine, long-standing friendship, and belief in the potential of the English wine industry sparked several years spent searching for the perfect vineyard plots.

Viticulture

The 2014 growing season marked an exceptional vintage in England, defined by a long, warm spring and summer. Budburst occurred earlier than usual, followed by sunny, dry conditions through June that allowed for an even and successful flowering. Timely rainfall in August refreshed the vines, leading to a harvest of pristine, perfectly ripe grapes with impressive structure and delicate aromatics. This wine reflects both the generosity of its vintage and the transformative power of extended aging, resulting in a sparkling wine of remarkable depth, elegance, and character.

Winemaking

Carefully selected bunches of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes were harvested by hand and gently whole bunch pressed. Produced according to the traditional method, a small proportion of this wine was partially fermented in aged Burgundian oak barrels followed by a generous period of lees-ageing in bottle for 96 months.

Tasting Note

The Rare Expressions range is a limited-edition collection of vintage sparkling wines that captures the purest expression of a particular grape variety, place, or moment in time. The No. 96 is the second release and is rich, yet beautifully balanced wine, deep golden in colour. Delightful notes of baked apples, honey and a biscuity richness, layered with hints of toasted walnuts and candied citrus peel. Delicate bubbles, and a velvety texture leading to a long-lingering finish.

Food Matching

Duck rillettes or terrine with pickled vegetables, Smoked salmon blinis with crème fraîche and chives.