Dorset winery launches limited edition of 2022 vintage Chardonnay amid exceptional harvest

The winery’s core focus is sparkling wine, which earned it the coveted Best Sparkling Wine Producer award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2020.

However, the Chardonnay from the 2022 harvest was so “exceptional” that head winemaker Tommy Grimshaw has created a small batch of still wine. It is a very limited edition, as the winery produced only 1,143 bottles.

Crafted still wine  

Mr Grimshaw said: “Although our main focus is to constantly improve the quality of our sparkling wines, occasionally an opportunity arises to craft a beautiful still wine.

“The warm 2022 vintage gave us the perfect chance, so we had to take it up. This wine is a pure expression of Chardonnay from our patch of Dorset and will pair perfectly with the seafood this county is rightly so proud of.”

The estate has also partnered with one of Britain’s best-known sculptors, Simon Gudgeon, to create a unique label based on his iconic ‘Search for Enlightenment’ bronze sculpture.

The piece was first exhibited on Millbank in 2010, before being moved to a permanent home on Carriageway Drive outside One Hyde Park.

Outside of the UK, the sculpture also features at Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters in Montreal. An edition of ‘Search for Enlightenment’ can be found at Simon’s Dorset sculpture park, Sculpture by the Lakes, just five miles from Langham Wine Estate.

Creative and thought provoking wines  

Justin Langham, the winery’s managing director, added: “As another Dorset business that we admire greatly, we thought using Simon’s beautiful sculpture on our Chardonnay label offered a lovely synergy.   

“As with Simon’s sculptures, we want our wines to be seen as creative and thought provoking. We are exceptionally proud of this vintage.”  

The artist, Simon Gudgeon, said that working with Langham Wine was an “absolute delight”.   

He added: “Their commitment to excellence and passion for their craft aligns perfectly with our own dedication to creating an exceptional sculpture park and visitor experience, a combination that stimulates all the senses.”  

Light yet complex  

The 2022 vintage is 100% Chardonnay and made from 100% taille (pressed juice). The grapes were hand picked from rows 17-34 in the estate’s Bowling Green vineyard and then whole bunch pressed.   

It was then fermented and aged in four used French oak barrels from Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, which offers a very light oaked taste.   

It then underwent full malolactic fermentation. As with all Langham’s wines, it is unfined and unfiltered.   

The light, yet complex Chardonnay is pale gold in colour. On the nose are aromas of cantaloupe melon, tangerine, granny smith apple, gorse flower and rolled oats.   

Melon carries through on the palate, with orange citrus on the finish. There is good weight on the mid palate and a vibrant acidity that elongates the finish.   

The producer said that the wine is delicious on its own but would suit a number of light dishes too, especially fresh Dorset shellfish.    

It pairs beautifully with barbecued monkfish tail, grilled halloumi or Caesar salad. There is the depth on the palate to handle something as variable as a Middle Eastern mezze too.  

All bottles are reused, which the estate is keen to do with more of its wines as it explores sustainable best practices.  

Langham’s limited edition ‘Search for Enlightenment’ Chardonnay is priced at £23.95 and is available to buy online here. 

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