FlintVineyardSilexBlanc2023

The Silex 2023 is a blend of 39% Chardonnay, 28% Pinot Blanc, 17% Pinot Gris and 16% Pinot Noir, all hand-harvested from specially selected plots. The Chardonnay comes from Martin’s Lane in Crouch Valley, Essex, whilst the rest of the grapes come from Whitewolfe in Kent and Flint’s own vineyards in Norfolk. This blend of grapes might seem unusual if you’re only used to seeing Pinot Noir in red wines, but this red grape variety can be used to make white wines with great finesse when handled carefully. And that is exactly what winemaker Ben Witchell has done, carefully vinifying and then ageing this blend for 12 months in a mix of neutral and new oak barrels to add complexity. The winemaking was deliberately hands off, allowing the grapes to shine and help make the decisions. The result is boldly fruit-forward, subtly nuanced, textured, and overall an elegant continuation of the Silex line.