Harrow & Hope was founded in 2010 by Henry & Kaye Laithwaite with a 6.5 hectare vineyard, one plot on the Thames gravel terrace, formed by the river cutting into the Chilterns chalk around 450,000 years ago. Today their soils are a complex layer of clay, flint and gravel suited to Pinot Noir and lower down the slope the clay layer gets thinner before the pure chalk, home to Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In 2020 they made the commitment to convert their vineyards to organic farming, focussing on bringing the very best fruit to the winery, where Henry uses a “light touch” approach. Widely praised by consumers and press, this is one of England’s top sparkling producers, their wines show precision, purity and expressive varietal character.

Being quite central and away from the coast the vineyard experiences high summer day temperatures with cooler nights that preserve precious acidity.

Unlike the 2015, this release is 100% Pinot Noir. This decision was taken to hone in on one particular part of the vineyard, where clay and chalk combine to give a complete wine without the need for blending varieties.

Weather in 2018: Probably the best vintage of the modern era thanks to the warm summer that produced large volumes of top-quality fruit. While the sparkling wines will be excellent, it is the still wines that are especially promising, especially the Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs.

Technical Information:
Vineyard: Old Block Pinot
Region: Chiltern Hills near Marlow
Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Lees Ageing: 3 Years
Dosage: 8 g/l
Disgorged: 28th April 2022
Fermentation: 47% Barrel Fermentation
Drink: Now to 5 years

Tasting Note: Light gold hue and a fine, delicate mousse. Aromas of citrus and honeysuckle lead into subtle brioche and vanilla characters. The palate offers generous yet elegant notes of baked lemon and white peach with the warmth of the vintage shining through. Subtle mineral notes accentuate the fresh, crisp acidity, leading to a long and complex finish.

Henry Laithwaite of Harrow and Hope started winemaking in Bordeaux and Oz, but in 2010 he and his wife returned to England and planted a 6.2 hectare vineyard of Chardonnay and both Pinots in Marlow. It lies on a southfacing slope, with soils of chalk and flint. Ideal for vines, but punishing for the machinery! In 2013, they completed a winery too and had some of the best names in the business advising them – the late Tony Jordan and Mike Roberts of Ridgeview. They have won many trophies since.