Jackson Family Estate, Marbury Chardonnay, Essex, England, United Kingdom 2023

Pale with a golden hue. Citrus peel, white peach, creamy smoke, and subtle hints of yellow fruit on the nose. The palate is saline and ethereal, finely poised with notes of grapefruit and a touch of buttered richness, underpinned by vibrant freshness. Riper yellow fruits emerge on the lingering finish – apricot purée, lemon pips and honey. Try decanting in the glass; as it warms, the Chardonnay opens up with stem ginger spice and a rounder, more oily texture – elegant and enduring. Sourced from the Crouch Valley in South Essex, the 2023 vintage began cool and wet but concluded with a warm harvest season. The wine was whole-bunch pressed, barrel-fermented, and aged on lees, followed by 10 months in 15% new oak.