Breaky Bottom, Cuvee Oliver Minkley, 2011

Winemaker Peter Hall looks after 6 acres in the South Downs national park, he also tends after 40 Lambs that graze the hills and vineyards. This is a side project he does some years.

This small-batch blend aged on the lees for six years shows great depth of flavours, brioche and autumn fruits with quince and lemon peel.  

Peter Said "This wine is dedicated to the fond memory of Oliver, who died in 2010 at the age of 35. He worked part-time at Breaky Bottom for many years. He had a passion for stand-up comedy and after a day in the vineyard used to try out his new jokes on the sheep."

60% Chardonnay, 30% Seyval Blanc, 5% Pinot Meunier, 5% Pinot Noir; 2,600 bottles produced.

Gold IEWA; Silver IWC

Breaky Bottom. Peter and Christine are, mostly importantly, lovely people, and great friends of ours, but they also happen to make fantastic wines, which is a bonus.

Their vineyard was established in 1974, and they are going stronger than ever. Peter, in our house, is known as maestro. He has a wealth of winemaking knowledge, they have won many awards, and their wines have been served at plenty of prestigious occasions.

This particular wine is Cuvee Oliver Minkley, each of their wines are named after a friend or family member. This release is from 2011, Peter and Chris hold back their wines until they think they are ready to drink, which is a refreshing approach. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Seyval Blanc. Seylval Blanc, is a grape variety, which has been under appreciated in the past. But when it's in the hands of this wine wizard, it can yield brilliant results.

This is a balanced, interesting wines, which has a good combination of fruit, acidity, and light toasty notes.