Blackbook Winery, Painter of Light, Essex, England, United Kingdom 2022

Aged in 25% new oak without filtration, the 2021 vintage of the urban winery's flagship Chardonnay was sourced from the south-facing Clayhill Vineyard in Southern Essex. Vanilla cream, citrus, and golden apple dominate the nose. Savoury but rich in spiced yellow apple and tangerine zest on the palate, leading to melon and more yellow fruit ripeness towards the finish. Passionate but well-balanced.