One of winemaker Ulrich Hoffmann’s favorite vintages to date, though one that was nearly universally shunned by the region’s makers, Most didn’t even bother to pick the vineyards that year, but, microclimates exist everywhere, including in England. The fruit for this wine missed the late rains and instead showcases what was a glorious summer that year. It’s deep in color, and that color gives a clue to the level of concentration in the wine. Ripe strawberry, cherry, notes of autolysis and stony mineral combine with zippy acidity to deliver a weighty, food friendly fizz with real finish push. Not a typical sparkling rosé, and that’s all to its credit.
96 Rich Cook
Hoffmann & Rathbone, England (United Kingdom) Sparkling Rosé Reserve 2012 ($68)
By Rich Cook
