Sugrue Rose ex Machina Sparkling Wine, Sussex, England – 2018

From the 7.35-ha Coldharbour vineyard in West Sussex, originally planted in 2005 by Nyetimber on chalk with clay and flint. 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier, 10% Chardonnay. 20% still red Pinot Noir added. 4.5 years on the lees. Dosage 8 g/l . 

On the nose this is rich with red berry fruits and a gentle leesy character. On the palate the fruit develops into rhubarb, with subtle mushroom hints and a delicious yeasty/brioche complexity on the finish. Excellent freshness and acidity – the hallmark of Sugrue’s winemaking style.

Reviews

“Deliciously fruity and seductive with perfect fruit/acid balance and fully mature from this super-ripe vintage.” 17.5/20 pts Jancis Robinson MW

“Deep, shining, copper-coral colour. It looks like sunrise on a crisp, clear-as-a-bell autumn morning. It tastes like sunrise on a crisp, clear-as-a-bell autumn morning. The tiny bubbles are like a shower of dewdrop diamonds, which seem to turn ruby-gemstone red as they meet the sweet flood of rose hip, red apple and  clementine. And then it pixelates on the tongue, crystalline acidity and exquisitely precise fruit in a kaleidoscopic collision of dazzling dimensions. Breath-taking, spine-tingling purity shot forward, arrow-like, by acidity that tastes of blood oranges. A wine to watch the sun rise with…” 17.5/20pts Tamlyn Currin MW for jancisrobinson.com

“The 2018 edition of Rose Ex Machina boasts generous ripe summer berries, red cherry and frangipane with toasty complexity to reflect the generous vintage. Mellow and welcoming on the palate, featuring red apple and white pepper-spiced strawberry & cream. Well-balanced with decent acidity. Red apple peel  bitterness leads to a long, refreshing finish.” 94 Points. Decanter