Pale gold. Aromas of mandarin peel and the distinct citrus-floral scent of verbena develop gradually into classic white-fruited chardonnay elegance. Cool, pure Pink Lady apples evolve on the palate edged with a flinty finish, as if cut by a steel knife. The precise, taut nature of the wine expresses the character of the vintage - a steely framework to support its full, soft mousse along a grain of toast with hints of oatmeal in the background. With its defined, linear acidity this Blanc de Blancs is restrained in its youth and will develop further in the bottle, becoming more biscuity as it ages.
The pure nature of this MCC calls for authentic food of the highest simplicity. Shellfish roasted over wingerdstok, cracked open and served with farm-egg mayonnaise; baked oysters dressed with burnt butter. Primal flavours and cooking techniques, such as whole trout grilled on a cedar-plank. Refined yet down to earth, pork cheeks with caramelised apples; grass-fed T-bone accompanied with foraged mushrooms; Dalewood Huguenot soufflé; whole cauliflower roasted in terracotta. MCC poached pears with whipped clotted cream.