Harrow & Hope Brut Reserve NV

Decanter wrote in 2015: “There is now widespread consensus that English sparkling wine is a world-class product.” As usual, the Laithwaite family is leading the way, with Barbara’s Trophy winning Wyfold and Henry’s Harrow & Hope. Henry cut his winemaking teeth in Castillon, Bordeaux, and at RedHeads in Oz, but in 2010 he and his wife returned to England and hatched a plan. They planted a 6.2 hectare vineyard in Marlow with Chardonnay and both Pinots, then built a new winery in 2013. Henry’s had some of the best names in the business advising him – Tony Jordan of Australia’s Moët et Chandon and the UK’s late King of Fizz Mike Roberts – and has already won Gold. Using classic Champagne grapes and method, this fizz has complexity and elegance.