Blackbook, Painter of Light Chardonnay, England 2018

Blackbook's flagship wine showcases the experience winemaker Sergio Verrillo clocked up at high-profile cool-climate wineries around the world. Grapes were sourced from the south-facing Clayhill vineyard in Essex, planted in 2006. Grapes are whole-bunch pressed straight to Burgundy barrels, 20% new. The wine undergoes primary and malolactic fermentation using indigenous yeasts and ages on lees for nine months in barrel and a further three months in tank. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. This has lovely purity and concentration, with waxy lemony citrus fruit, a subtle spice from the oak, and mouthwatering acidity. Very classy.