Walgate Wines Chardonnay 2022 is a perfect example of a new breed of English wines, demonstrating a capacity to produce wines with a sense of place and purpose. This Chardonnay is bright and energetic, with a subtle funk that quickly develops in the glass. It leads with crisp apple and lemon zest, underpinned by a fine chalky texture, appealing nuttiness, and a whisper of tangy salinity. The wine has a lovely sense of restraint, but that doesn't detract from the excitement. It's a subtle, moreish wine with real poise and clarity. Ben Walgate, formerly of Tillingham, has carved out a distinctive niche in English winemaking with his eponymous label, Walgate Wines. Operating from a converted warehouse in Rye, East Sussex, Walgate focuses on producing wines that reflect both place and precision. His commitment to low-intervention techniques results in wines that are both expressive and refined, marking him as a leading figure in the evolution of English still wines.