Dating back to 1503, the exquisite Tudor-framed Hush Heath Manor is the family home of the Balfour-Lynn’s. The Manor nestles into the hill, overlooking the vineyards and estate with magnificent views across the Weald of Kent. The 160 hectares situated in an ancient oak woodland is impressive and a fitting setting for the Balfour wines.

To turn his dream into reality Balfour-Lynn was helped by Stephen Skelton MW using his extensive experience with English vineyards. In charge of the winemaking is Owen Elias, UKVA winemaker of the year four times with a host of international and national awards to his name. 

While Hush Heath is the only English vineyard dedicated to the creation of Rosé sparkling wine, it also produces some impressive still wines including an unwooded Chardonnay using Burgundian clones and a very fine Pinot Noir. 

Tasting Note: Such a clear bright translucent ruby red colour. The nose has real archetypal savoury, foresty red berry fruit notes that I always associate with German Pinot Noir from the Ahr. Below the brambly, savoury fruit is a broader sappy, spicy note. With an 11 Abv, the palate has all the expected taught, tart, fresh, crunchy Pinot fruit with lifted perfume and some cedary, violet spice notes. The savoury red fruit gives way to red cherries, blood oranges and subtle oak spice on the crisp, linear finish. A very drinkable wine that matched with the right food could be quite alluring indeed. Drink now or over 3 to 5 years. (Wine Safari Score: 91+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)