Bolney Wine Estate, Pinot Noir, West Sussex, England, 2018

The UK’s still Pinot Noirs are improving all the time. This is a well-ripened cool-climate example, boasting creamy summer pudding flavours, a grassy edge, grippy tannins and earthy spices.

Owner-winemaker Sam Linter has long been a fan, and producer, of Pinot Noir. This example balances attractive aromatics, sweet fruit and fine tannins. Just a portion has visited barrels, which adds a hint of aromatic toast and palate piquancy. Otherwise, the focus is the ripe fruit, introduced by a translucent ruby colour. Juicy red cherry fruits on the palate have ripeness and density about them, laced with finely perceptible tannins, all in a modest body that’s freshly balanced.