WTN: English Wedding

[Jenise]

And here's the happy couple:

2017 Bride Valley Brut Réserve Dorset Champagne Blend
Of all things took this to a friend's home for happy hour only to find the happy coincidence that she'd opened an English champagne (a Hambledon NV) too. Hers (below) came first, which seemed very aged, making this seem much fresher though it clearly has some bottle age. Medium yellow-gold with a surprisingly powerful nose and palate of quince, star fruit, green apple and hazelnuts. A lot of va-va-voom here for just $44 with surprising weight considering the more delicate '16 rose, which I loved three bottles of.

NV Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut Kent Champagne Blend
No idea what years the base or disgorgement were, but its rich amberish gold color and custardy, browned butter flavors seem evidentiary. That said, this was a recent purchase by my friend, and none of this makes sense compared to other recent CT reviews describing pale lemon yellow coloration and crisp fruit on a 2020 base. So no idea what's going on, but this bottle was very good if you like old champagne (I do).

[David M. Bueker]

Nice!

I’ve only had a tiny amount of English fizz, but it seems quite promising.

[Jenise]

I've had one or two clunkers, but most have been interesting if not compelling. The Camel Valley and Bride Valley '16 rose mentioned above have been the best so far.

I've had one or two clunkers, but most have been interesting if not compelling...

Yes, this has been my (limited) experience as well. And, what I hear from friends living in the UK. There are certainly some good wines, but it probably makes the most sense to drink them if you live in the (Southeast) UK. Otherwise, Champagne offers more interest around the same price.

I did bring home a bottle of 2018 Court Garden from my trip to the UK in October. I will probably open on Thanksgiving. Had some on the trip and it was fine, interesting if not compelling!

It will be interesting to watch as climate changes and as the Kentish vines age.