One of the historic wineries in England, Hambledon Vineyard was originally planted back in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones. Hambledon is set in the 'Cradle of Cricket’ and vines are planted on chalky soils that resemble some found in champagne. In fact, the soils are the Newhaven Chalk formation that developed between the Santonian and Campanian eras of the Upper Cretaceous period (known as the Senonien period in Champagne). The same chalk, with the same Belemnite content, is found in some of the most famous Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne. Hambedon has a very impressive winemaking team. Hervé Jestin has overseen the production of more than 200 million bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine during his career and was chef des caves at Champagne Duval Leroy for over 20 years.
Jestin’s new wines were fabulous. I love the nuance in the NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which offers very delicate red fruits and flinty tones. Learn more about this historic winery at https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk/ and here are my reviews of the new Hambledon wines.
NV Hambledon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding NV Hambedon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparking Wine is another dense and rich edition of this wine that was aged on the lees for 35 months. Composed of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from South East facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, this offers heady melon and citrus oil fruits that combine with shades of sourdough bread and baking spices on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92
NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine- The excellent NV Hambedon Rose was stored on the lees for three years prior to disgorgement. It comes off laden with minerality and salty tension. Delicate red fruits parade with wet rock, kumquat rind and shades of crushed seashells on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92