Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV is a magnificent exemplar of British viticulture. Acclaimed for its layered sophistication, this sparkling cuvee is meticulously handcrafted in Hampshire, at England's oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon Vineyard, where tradition effortlessly combines with the latest winemaking technology.

Comprising predominantly Chardonnay, with thoughtful drizzles of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV draws its distinct character from its terroir. Fermented at controlled temperatures followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle crafted in an exceptional base wine, resonating Hambledon's commitment to quality.

The diligent stirring of lees, also known as 'bâtonnage', lends it an unparalleled richness and creamy texture, while an extended ageing period allows the wine to develop a well-rounded complexity. The final product is an elegant, golden-hued nectar boasting an intense, layered nose, a perfectly balanced palate, sublime depth and a persistent finish, establishing the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV as a symbol of luxury in the quintessentially British wine realm.

Unveiling the exquisite Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013, a fitting representation of the United Kingdom's emergent viticulture prowess. Carefully crafted in Hampshire, England, at the acclaimed Hattingley Valley winery, known for producing outstanding English sparkling wine, this Kings Cuvée delivers an unforgettable sensory experience. Rounded out by an ageing process of 60 months on lees, this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties brings a balanced charm.

Bursting with aromatic complexity, this prestigious cuvée has seductive toasty notes with nuances of honey and almond on the nose. Each sip reveals a soft mousse with vibrant acidity, showcasing delectable layers of baked apple, quince, and delicate brioche flavours. Perfectly refined, the Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvee 2013 expertly walks a tightrope of finesse and sophistication, celebrating the magnificence of English sparkling wine to the fullest.

Wine Advocate (97)

No 2017 was produced, so after the 2016 I tasted a while ago, we jump to the 2018 La Dama, vinified by Enrique Basarte and Elisa Úcar and blended and bottled by Raúl Pérez, the new owner of the project. They always look for a more delicate expression of Garnacha from selected stonier plots of old head-pruned and dry-farmed vines in the village of San Martín de Unx that are worked organically and biodynamically but are not certified. The wine is stunning, elegant and aromatic, with depth, complexity and grip. It's incredibly young and expressive and doesn't show its age at all; it has a refined nose and is quite fruit-driven and floral, with very integrated oak (like never before), supple flavors and very fine tannins. It has good ripeness and contained alcohol (13.8%) and good freshness and acidity (with a pH of 3.46 and 6.3 grams of tartaric). 10,000 bottles were filled in October 2022.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

58% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 11% Pinot Meunier. Vintages: 70% 2014, 4% 2013, 6% 2011, 9% 2010, 10% 2009, 1% 2008. Four years on lees. Disgorged May 2019. Outstanding nose, with all the bready complexity of great sparkling. Saline and zippy, with excellent apple and lemon fruit on the palate. Not at all sharp, with excellent balance and flesh on the body. Mature, mushroomy character on the finish. Expertly done. (RH)

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2015 is the first vintage of Rathfinny's premium Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend, produced from grapes grown and hand-harvested on Rathfinny Wine Estate. It has an enticing blush sets the scene for perfumed peony and wild strawberry on the nose, while on the palate, its rich mousse of raspberries and toasted almonds gives way to a caramelised red-apple finish.

Rathfinny Rosé Brut 2016 is the second vintage of Rathfinny's flagship sparkling wine, with an expressive red-fruit style that beautifully showcases the increased presence of Pinot Noir within the blend. Vivid coral in hue, it has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Masses of fresh, ripe raspberry fruit beautifully balanced by meaty density and a tangy yet comforting breadth that reminds me a bit of rhubarb compote on challah toast. There's great substance and interest here – you could even pair this with rare beef or beef carpaccio without a problem. (TC)

Falstaff (96)

An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035.

Falstaff (95)

Both orange peel and Red Delicious apple figure on the nose, alongside a subtle hint of fresh Viennoiserie that turns into shortcrust with more air. The palate strikes immediately with its effortlessness: there is that lovely balance between juicy freshness and mellow ripeness that you get in red apples. The slender body fizzes away with tiniest bubbles, lending creaminess and gentleness, expressing serenity, beauty and depth. Very elegant, lovely now, certain to evolve into a grandiose and gastronomic rosé.

Vinous (91)

The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2021 Señora de Las Alturas comes from an ancient plot on the gravel and silt soils on the banks of the Alhama River that they call Pontigos that also produces their wine Lecciones de Vuelo that is a collaboration with a different winemaker every year. It fermented in open 1,000-liter pools with 5% Garnacha Blanca followed by malolactic and 15 months' élevage in second use 500-liter French oak barrels. It has moderate ripeness, a medium-bodied palate, moderate alcohol (13.66%) and very fine tannins. There is a turn toward finesse and elegance in all the wines, and it is also noticeable here. This is a wine that feels very consistent too. It's serious and balanced, with elegant notes of flowers, berries and herbs and super fine gained tannins. Superb, and as with many wines, this is their finest vintage to date. 2,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023.

Vinous (88)

The 2014 Rosé is two-thirds fermented and aged in oak barrels. Deep salmon in color, it has a rich, forward nose of peaches and cream, strawberry, beeswax and touches of white chocolate – all very enticing. The palate is rounded on the entry, with good acidity, though in the end this rosé just falls a little flat and lacks tension and energy. Not bad, but to be honest, I was expecting more.

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (95+)

The 2019 Punto de Fuga Corral del Mate is from their joint venture with Matías Michelini from Argentina. It comes from a 0.53-hectare plot within the paraje Corral de los Altos on limestone, schist and alluvial soils and was fermented with 100% full clusters in 1,000-liter vats and matured in a used 500-liter oak barrel for 15 months. It has the finesse of the Lecciones de Vuelo and the ripeness and depth of the Señora de las Alturas, so it's quite complete with the purity and freshness that seems to define their style, with imperceptible oak and varietal character but with great complexity and nuance. It's medium-bodied and reveals very fine, chalky tannins and terrific balance, finishing dry with the limestone sensation. A wine to convince terroir deniers... Only 660 bottles of this low-yielding vintage were filled in July 2021.