Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs Kent Vintage 2018 750ml
DescriptionGusbourne has emerged as one of England's premier sparkling wine producers, and their 2018 Blanc de Blancs from Kent demonstrates why English fizz has gained international acclaim. Using 100% Chardonnay from their estate vineyards on chalk soils nearly identical to Champagne, this wine showcases England's potential for world-class sparkling wine. The 2018 vintage provided ideal conditions, with a warm summer balanced by cooling maritime influence. The wine opens with intense Chardonnay aromatics—citrus and green apple are enhanced by white flowers, struck flint, and subtle brioche from extended lees aging.
The palate delivers exceptional elegance and complexity, with a style that rivals the finest Blanc de Blancs from anywhere. The fruit is pure and focused—lemon, green apple, and hints of white peach—but it's the texture and structure that truly impress. The mousse is ultra-fine and persistent, creating a creamy texture that carries the complex flavors. What distinguishes great English sparkling wine is the combination of ripeness with racing acidity, and this 2018 achieves perfect balance. The chalk terroir expresses itself clearly, providing a mineral backbone that runs through the entire wine.
Gusbourne's meticulous approach includes hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, and extended aging that rivals Champagne's grands marques. As the wine develops in the glass, it reveals layers of complexity—toasted almonds, lemon curd, and intensified mineral notes. The finish is extraordinarily long and pure, with chalky minerality providing a distinctive signature. This 2018 is drinking beautifully now but has the structure to age gracefully for another decade. Perfect with oysters, delicate seafood, or enjoyed on its own, Gusbourne's Blanc de Blancs demonstrates that England has truly arrived as a world-class sparkling wine region. It's a wine that stands confidently alongside the best from Champagne.
