2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd English Sparkling Blanc de Blancs by Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire, England
- Julie Sheppard
- 93/100
Founded by Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, Hambledon was the first to champion English terroir, laying the foundations for a new era of winemaking in Britain. After a period of dormancy, the estate was revitalised in 1999 by Ian Kellett, whose vision and investment transformed Hambledon into a modern leader in sparkling wine. Today, its vineyards are rooted in the same chalk seam that runs through Champagne, providing ideal conditions for the classic trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This unique terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, delivers wines of purity, precision and structure.
A defining moment came with the appointment of Hervé Jestin—former Cellar Master at Champagne Leclerc Briant—who brought a wealth of expertise and a pioneering approach to organic and biodynamic practices. Working alongside winemakers Felix Gabillet and Sam Picton, Jestin has helped shape Hambledon’s distinctive style: a traditional méthode champenoise infused with a bold English identity. In 2023, Berry Bros. & Rudd became proud part-owners of Hambledon, in partnership with Symington Family Estates. This alliance unites three family-run businesses with a shared commitment to heritage, sustainability and world-class winemaking.