Blackbook, Nightjar Pinot Noir, Essex, England 2018

Blackbook is an urban winery located in a Victorian railway arch in London, making wines with grapes sourced from Clayhill Vineyard in Essex. This Pinot Noir is fermented naturally in small open top fermenters including 40% whole bunch, then aged in 10% new Burgundy barrels for seven months without sulphur. An explosive nose of smokey vanilla, dried rose, prunes and crème de cassis. Lightly effervescent on the palate, with juicy, ripe blackberries, black pepper, liquorice and black tea flavours, supported by decent acids and earthy tannins, followed by a lingering cassis finish.