The Decanter scores are in, and London Cru's 2019 vintage is officially its best yet. Here is the full rundown of scores, from Julie Sheppard, for the latest release.
London Cru, Baker Street Bacchus, England, 2019 - 93 POINTS
'This elegant, gastronomic wine shows what can be achieved with English Bacchus in the right hands. Australian winemaker Alex Hurley uses grapes from West Sussex and produces this limited-quantity label (3,000 bottles) at the boutique London Cru winery - the capital's first urban winery. Fresh and appealing Sauvignon-like nose, with lime, gooseberry, herbal and grassy notes. Judicious oak use (23% of the wine spends seven months in used premier cru Burgundy barrels) adds a delightful creaminess to the palate, well balanced by fresh acidity, plus notes of citrus interwoven with passionfruit, fresh pineapple and subtle elderflower. Ends with a crisp grapefruit bite.'
London Cru, Pimlico Road Pinot Noir Précoce, England, 2019 - 91 POINTS
'Précoce is an early-ripening type of Pinot Noir, well-suited to the British climate. Made at London Cru urban winery, using grapes grown in West Sussex, this dangerously drinkable light-bodied red can be served chilled. Attractive red and black berry aromas leap out of the glass, followed by a juicy palate with raspberry, cherry and blueberry fruit, plus soft tannins and a fresh cranberry crunch. Well judged oak (seven months in old Burgundy barrels) provides structure and adds spice to the lingering, fruity finish.'
London Cru, Petticoat Lane Pinot Gris PetNat, England, 2019 - 90 POINTS
Made in London's first urban winery with grapes grown in West Sussex, this funky PetNat has vigorous bubbles and crisp acid. Bottled with its lees, so if you keep it for three to five years it will evolve in the bottle, developing more bready, yeasty notes. Apple and yeasty farmyard aromas. The palate is crisp and fresh, with high natural acidity, notes of citrus and green apple. Only 200 bottles made.
This vintage was the first entirely in the hands, and vision, of winemaker Alex Hurley. Alex has used his extensive experience and knowledge to make some innovative, and delicious, English wines that are both exciting and unique. Production for 2019 was considerably smaller than previous years at London Cru, but as these scores show the quality has never been better.
With the 2020 vintage just around the corner, we are so excited to see what else Alex has up his sleeve, and enjoy the amazing English wines he will undoubtedly continue producing for London Cru.
