Oastbrook Pinot Noir 2021, UK

(W)inemaker/ (O)wner :

W: America and Nick Brewer

REGION Kent, UK

DRINKING WINDOW : 2025

WINE REVIEW

Deep down in the garden of England you’ll find a pretty non- descriptor field that was once the scene of the most serious battle in military history (to last 24 hours ) – enough time to retreat to an inn and drink a flagon of ale. The fight was the Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD. Also the perfect terrior for vineyards all along the South coast of England.

Here you’ll find Oastbrook Vineyard . Not only do they have an oast house but also

Glamping

Vineyard Hollow

Waterside Lodge

Wake up and you walk into the vineyard. Couldn’t be better !!

The owners America and Nick have spent the last few years turning this vineyard from humble beginnings to an estate that has a tasting room, an on site winery , 3 staycation units and a thriving wine business. So much passion and dedication has gone into this venture you can already beginto see the rewards. Not only does the fabulous couple produce some amazing sparkling wines. but the Pinot Gris that America and Nick produce is one of the finest I’ve tasted in a long while.

So lucky enough to try the Pinot Noir I was wondering what I would encounter…….

English wine has increased in popularity in recent years and some of our most popular grape varieties are German in origin – Muller Thurgau, Hexelrube, Sylvaner Blanc but one grape that is on the increase is the noble Pinot Noir. At Oastbrook they are producing a distinctive Pinot Noir. If you’re looking for a fresh peppery New Zealand style or an elegant Burgundian style then you won’t find it here.

In order to be distinctive – stay true to your self. Produce a wine English in origin English in style. This is what’s been don so well here.

So this wine had a dark ruby appearance – light in body ; light in colour (A pretty good sign that this might be a Pinot Noir)

Smooth tannins in the mouth and still that very fresh very summery feeling. Feels like a burst of sunshine in your mouth !!! Either you’re going to have black fruits of red fruits when you taste a red wine .

In this instance it’s red fruits ( cranberries , strawberries and red berries) but what makes this exciting is a touch of spice and that slightly creamy feel in the mouth. Good until 2027

Yes the price is £32 but small producers smaller yields and overheads for a smaller producer all add up. What you get with UK producers is their own style, their flair and showing off a UK wine . Something we couldn’t really do 20 or so years ago. Id rather have this than an over priced Burgundy from a notable town inFrance.

A great wine and a great couple. Give them a try. Go and visit and enjoy the experience

TASTING ROOM AND PRODUCTION.

Food pairing

Bold enough to work with duck and beef and retrained enough to compliment chicken

Beef Stew

Light chicken dishes

Duck

Think elegance with this wine think subtle think restraint but its vibrant and fresh.

Find your Grape – this is a great place to start

SUSTAINABILTY

WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

UPTO 10 Points

PRESERVE ECOSYSTEMS

UPTO 10 points

RESPONSABILITIES TOWARDS THE PLANET

UPTO 10 Points

BUT SHOULD INCLUDE THESE POINTS

Water Efficiency, Soil Health & Fertilization, Pest Management, Energy Efficiency, WastWastewater Management, Transportation, Packaging and Material Sourcing

All producers have been asked throughly with regard to their practices and their responses have resulted in their marks out of 30. Sustainability is an important aspect of the life of the vineyard and the scoring system should reflect this.