English wine is top of the crops

Bookers Vineyard in West Sussex is celebrating after its 2005 Dark Harvest red wine came top in a blind tasting of European wines selected by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW. Bookers’ Dark Harvest achieved an average score of 3.5 (out of a possible five) and was the joint highest-scoring wine of the selection.

It was tested against two French wines, including a Les Rouilleres St Nicolas De Bourgeuil 2005, and an Italian wine, all of which were comparable in price.

The four-strong tasting panel included two of London’s top sommeliers – Laure Patry from Maze and Fabrice Hequet from La Noisette – as well as Julia Harding MW and Richard Sacré (an IT Director and wine drinker).

Two of the judges correctly identified the English wine from the four on test, and comments from the judges included “It’s trying hard with the use of oak, which is sweet and smoky”, and “Best of the four. Light to medium-bodied with a spicy style.”

Sam Linter, chief winemaker, Bookers Vineyard says, “We are delighted that our 2005 Dark Harvest red wine has triumphed in this blind tasting, conducted by some of the UK’s most respected wine experts. Previously, English wine has enjoyed chequered fortunes but this winning result shows that changes are afoot in terms of quality and demand.”

Can’t wait to try Dark Harvest for yourself? Pop into your local South-East branch of Waitrose or visit Bookersvineyard.com and pick up a bottle for £8.99.

To learn more about Bookers Vineyard and its products visit Bookersvineyard.co.uk.