This event has always been a favourite of mine as I am a big fan of English wines, particularly those from Sussex.
It was noticeable this year how the quality of English still wines continues to improve.
Unfortunately there was no printed catalogue so I was unable to make tasting notes on anywhere near the number of wines I would have liked (see my blog on why virtual wine list just don’t work). The press were given printed lists so it would appear that even WineGB accept that they work better for making notes.
I was surprised and pleased to discover a Sussex vineyard that I hadn’t come across previously – Abingworth. They had a very enjoyable Sunken Stones Sauvignon Blanc which is not a grape you see much of in England, most winemakers going for Bacchus instead.
Other wines I enjoyed included:
Woodchester Valley Orpheus Bacchus
Wythall Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
Halfpenny Green Penny Red
Walgate Pinot Noir
Oxney Organic Woodhouse Pinot
Simpsons Gravel Castle Chardonnay
Simpsons Derringstone Pinot Meunier
Simpsons Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir
Biddenden Schonberger sweet wine