Balfour Skyes Chardonnay 2021

Balfour Skye's Chardonnay, Hush Heath Estate, Kent, England, 2021 

Grape: Chardonnay

Skye’s Chardonnay is made exclusively using Burgundy Clones from our Middle Strackney and Old Eight Acre Vineyards at Hush Heath Estate, Chardonnay vines which are valued for producing wines of richness and complexity.

To accentuate the lemon and lime varietal character of the Chardonnay grape the wine is unoaked, yet extended lees ageing and bâtonnage (lees stirring) softens the acidity and add layers of texture and a hint of creaminess. A fresh yet complex and beautifully balanced English Chardonnay. More Chablis in style than Puligny, the wine is unoaked and undergoes full malolactic fermentation, extended lees ageing of eight months and in-tank battonage.

Tasting Note: A light green-gold colour. Fresh and citrus-led nose with hints of apple blossom and wonderful thyme notes along with mint, acacia, eucalyptus and allspice.  A clean citrus-driven palate with notes of lime and melon rind. A delightful aromatic and complex Chardonnay.

"Grapefruit and biscuit. Quite champagne-like, for a still wine. Mouth-watering freshness, tight acidity, green apples and very slight lees-smokiness. Bright and a little nervous."

16.5/20 points, Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, September 2022

Winemaker’s Food Pairing: garden salad with lots of herbs think; dill, mint and sorrel or seafood more specifically oysters and crayfish. Also try with Sea Trout or pork chops.