11/08/2026 - "Like sparkling white Burgundy" (Jancis Robinson) - 2016 Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs - "one of England's finest Blanc de Noirs" (Neal Martin)

Back in 2023 i had a wonderful day visiting one of the UK’s foremost sparkling wine producers, Rathfinny, and tasting through their range. Founded only recently, in 2010, Rathfinny produce Champagne-styled sparkling wine from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. They are passionate about sustainabilty and are the first winery which grows all of its own grapes ever to receive B-Corp status.

Lying in the South Downs, just 3 miles from the Channel, they enjoy a semi-maritime climate, and with excellent free-draining chalk soils, they produce a Classic Cuvee (classic blend of the 3 grapes), a Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and a Rose, but the wine that really caught my attention was the Blanc de Noirs 2016, of which i subsequently bought as much as i could find. Now a few years later, i have just 3 cases of magnums left and it is drinking absolutely superbly. Now with 10 years of age, this is absolutely perfect for drinking in these seemingly endless summer heatwaves! Get it now before its all gone!

Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs Brut 2016 (97% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier), 3x1500ml

£165.00 IB / £218.66 inc Duty & VAT

“The 2016 Blanc de Noirs is aged for 36 months in bottle with a dosage of 3g/L. It has a burnished silvery hue. The well-delineated nose is an absolute delight, presenting scents of orange pith, brioche, toasted pine nuts and a hint of white peach in the background. The palate is well poised with a light walnut opening, quite saline in the mouth and precise towards the finish; a touich of blackberry appears on the aftertaste. Impressive energy and sophistication are clear to see in what might be one of England’s best Blanc de Noirs. Highly recommended.
Drink 2020-2032
93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous.com July 2020
 
“93% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meunier picked late October on the Rathfinny estate in East Sussex. 100% malo. Fined with isinglass. Aged on lees 36 months. Dosage 3 g/l.
Tasted blind. Pale apricot. Broad and quite savoury. Almost like sparkling white burgundy. Lots of undertow and lots to savour. Quite fun!”
16.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson MW, July 2021
 
“A pale rose-gold in colour, the aromas of bramble and ripe cherry in this blend of pinot noir and meunier lead to a cherry and strawberry-ish fruit richness of mousse that’s vinously concentrated and refreshingly dry, thanks to a low dosage of three grams per litre and a fine blade of fresh mouthwatering acidity.”
94 points, Anthony Rose, The Real Review, December 2020
 
“A hint of nougat with fresh Red Delicious apple on the nose suggests both creaminess and liveliness. In addition, there are notes of flowers and honey. Good balance on the palate bursting with red apple fruit and with a rounded body. The long, creamy finish tastes of rye bread, sourdough and white pepper. Really elegant”
93 points, Annie Krebiehl MW, Falstaff.com, January 2022

• Full tasting notes available on request.
• Offered subject to final confirmation, E&OE