The Crouch Valley is thought to be the best place in England to make still wines. The Riverview vineyards are set in 11 acres of south-westerly slopes overlooking the beautiful River Crouch. Husband and wife team Umut and Katie Yesil specialise in small-batch, single varietal still wine.

The Pinot Noir grapes were hand-harvested at the beginning of November 2021. Allowing the grapes to hang on the vines for as long as possible allowed the fruit to reach peak ripeness - something that is not possible in many other English vineyards.

The wine was fermented in small batches (only 900 bottles were produced). The fermenting grapes were regularly punched-down, which helps to extract flavour and structure. After fermentation the wine was transferred to French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrels, which gives the wine a fuller, softer profile, and then 12 months ageing to further improve the profile.

The result is a wine with delicate floral notes and lifted aromas of strawberry, red currant and cranberry. The oak is well integrated adding a hint of smoke and sweet spices. The finish is long and lingering.

Although delicious now, this will age.

Pair this with a great quality, simply cooked grilled steak, or roast chicken.