Showcasing notes of black cherry mixed with aromas of plum and mint. Hints of wood spices and cedar add complexity to the aromatics. Black fruits dominate the palate with silky smooth tannins and fresh acidity that leaves a lasting impression on the finish.

While most UK estates look to Reims and Epernay for inspiration, scaling their activities and ambitions to compete with the vast brands of the Marne, the focus at Danbury Ridge is directed toward grower Champagnes and the small domaines of Burgundy.

Now, just a few vintages into the project, and that early aspiration is being realised: Danbury Ridge is bottling wines that critics have already favourably compared to some of the finest addresses in Burgundy, Oregon and cool climate, New Zealand.

The first vines were planted in 2014 with an unwavering focus on still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones to exploit the unique mesoclimate. After just a few seasons the vines were producing grapes of a ripeness previously unseen in the UK.

A red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to its exacting soil requirements and sensitivity to wind and frost. Few places in the world can grow Pinot Noir successfully and in most cases the grape is used as a base for sparkling wine. However, the exceptional quality and unrivalled sugar content of Pinot Noir grapes grown on the Danbury Wine Estate means that award-winning still wines have been produced.

"The 2022 Pinot Noir has more concentration than the previous vintage. It shows a mixture of red and black fruit and veins of blue fruit that I have not noticed in previous releases. It’s riper but still very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy, ripe black fruit, perhaps a little more New World influenced than Burgundy. Grainy tannins are well integrated with impressive grip towards the finish, with a touch of white pepper on the aftertaste. This will require a couple of years in bottle. Drink 2024-2035."
92 points. Neal Martin, Vinous (February 2024)