Simpsons Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir 2023

English Pinot Noir? Absolutely - and it's quite the stunner. Think along the lines of a bright Sancerre Rouge, and you're on the right track. A delicate garnet hue leads into perfumed aromas of damson, wild strawberry, and sweet spice. On the palate, ripe red cherry sits alongside hints of violet, mocha, and a touch of smoky spice, all wrapped up in an elegant structure with soft tannins. Aged for six months in French oak, it's gained extra layers of complexity without losing its freshness. Floral, savoury, and velvety smooth - beautifully balanced and full of character.

Great by itself, but even better with food. Spot on with roast lamb and rosemary, pan-fried duck breast, or garlic butter mushrooms on sourdough - the silky texture and savoury spice bring out the best in them.

Simpsons Wine Estate is run by husband-and-wife team Charles and Ruth Simpson, who bring winemaking savoir-faire honed at their South of France estate to the Elham Valley. Nestled in the North Downs of Kent, the vineyards sit on lime-rich chalk soils - part of the same seam that runs through Champagne and Burgundy - and benefit from cooling maritime breezes just eight miles from the coast. The result is wines with clarity, freshness and poise. Combining international experience with a strong sense of place, Simpsons has emerged as a thoughtful and distinctive presence in English wine.