Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2013

Chalk, apple blossom and stone play on the subtle nose, and a touch of flint suggests a hint of smokiness. The fine foam fills the palate with subtle depth that combines the generosity of fruit, the richness of chalk and the buffered vein of vibrant freshness, clothed in flavors of Red Delicious apple and lemon shortbread. Elegance, finesse and subtle power form a disarming trinity that convinces with sheer quality. A lovely, creamy, exquisite fizz for grown-ups who can tune into subtlety. The finish is long and rewarding.

A blend of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay that was disgorged in July 2017, the 2013 Brut Tillington Single Vineyard opens in the glass with an exotic bouquet of musky peaches, mandarin, honeycomb and mango. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with good depth and dimension at the core, ripe but racy acids and an aromatic finish. To my palate, this gives Nytimber's cuvée 1086 a run for its money. Drink 2019-2035.

I am a huge fan of 2013 Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard. Winemaking husband and wife team Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix discovered a great parcel of Pinot at their Tillington site during their usual pre-harvest walks around the vineyards. They cut it with 20% Chardonnay and bottled it as a top end vintage sparkler. I can tell you that it is a star – effortlessly beautiful, balanced and graceful.