2020 - Simpsons, Q Class Chardonnay

From younger but lower-cropping fruit (thanks to frost) from the Railway Hill vineyard, ‘… so called because the Canterbury to Folkestone light railway passed through this site in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. The Q Class [steam] engines, which traversed this line, were powerful yet elegant, qualities that are exemplified in this wine.’ Harvested 5 November. Selected rows and barrels: six new and two used, including some American oak! Designed to shock. Bottled only in magnum. Pale gold. California style. ‘We never thought we’d get that level of maturity.’ Long, and satin-textured. Real saline grip on the end. Glossy. (JR)