There is always a sense of anticipation around a new release, especially when it brings something a little unexpected.

Sauvignon Blanc is not a variety traditionally associated with England. It asks for time, warmth and consistency, all of which can be difficult to rely on in our cool climate. Yet, in the right conditions, it has the potential to produce something truly distinctive.

To introduce this new wine, we spoke with the team behind it. From vineyard to glass, they share the thinking, care and precision that have shaped this Sauvignon Blanc, and what makes it such a special addition to our range.

From the team at Lyme Bay Winery

Why is Sauvignon Blanc considered such a rarity in England?

Because the climate of Great Britain is one of the coolest winegrowing regions in the world. Summers are short, sunshine is limited, and the risk of under-ripening is always high. Sauvignon Blanc is a late-ripening and naturally demanding variety; it needs a long, consistent season and enough warmth to develop its signature aromatic profile.

For many years it was assumed that England simply wasn’t suited to Sauvignon Blanc. Very little was planted, because the risk of the grapes not reaching full maturity was simply too great.

And that is exactly why, when a truly expressive English Sauvignon Blanc does emerge, it feels like an event – a small victory over the elements, and a marker of how far English wine has come.

So how were we able to produce a Sauvignon Blanc that truly flourishes in our climate?

By bringing together rare conditions with precise, attentive winemaking.

We work closely with carefully selected partner growers across the South of England – sites with slightly warmer microclimates, excellent exposure and well-drained soils. This approach allows us to source only the fruit that has the natural potential to express this variety in cooler years.

Timing is everything with Sauvignon Blanc. The perfect picking moment can fall within just a few days. We only select fruit that has reached the ideal balance of flavour development and freshness – the point at which the variety’s purity and tension truly shine.

What makes the English style of Sauvignon Blanc distinctive?

The cool climate shapes everything.

Ripening progresses slowly, allowing flavours to build gradually and with precision. Instead of the tropical, overt styles often found in warmer regions, the English expression remains clean, structured and refreshingly bright.

Aromatics evolve gently and with clarity.
Natural acidity stays vibrant and lifted.
The palate is defined by purity, linearity and a subtle mineral edge.

It is a Sauvignon Blanc that doesn’t shout – it speaks with focus.

How does our Sauvignon Blanc reveal itself in the glass?

It opens with an immediate burst of citrus: lime, fresh lemon zest and crisp grapefruit peel. It’s that unmistakably bright, lime-driven freshness that sets the tone.

As the wine opens up, the aromatics deepen: notes of white currant and gooseberry appear – hallmark characters of our cool English growing conditions. Delicate green nuances suggest freshly cut grass, adding purity and definition to the varietal profile.

On the palate, the wine is framed by lively yet perfectly judged acidity. It brings structure without sharpness, giving the wine its poise and energy. The texture is surprisingly smooth and rounded, offering balance to the citrus intensity.

The finish is long, dry and clean, carrying a cool, mineral-citrus echo that lingers with precision.

Why do we see this vintage as an achievement?

Because every successful English Sauvignon Blanc is the result of rare alignment:

favourable weather
careful work from our partner growers
delicate, protective winemaking
and a strict selection of parcels that truly meet our stylistic expectations.

This wine isn’t an imitation of French or New Zealand styles.
It is a considered, honest expression of what the English climate can deliver at its best.

And finally – why should you try this Sauvignon Blanc?

Because it is rare.
Because it is crafted at the very edge of what our climate allows.
Because it demonstrates, with clarity and confidence, the potential of English wine today.

And because every glass reflects what makes English winemaking so distinctive:
precision, freshness, and a true sense of place.

This Sauvignon Blanc captures what we value most in our winemaking.

It reflects patience, careful decision-making and a close connection to the vineyards we work with. It also represents a moment where conditions, experience and timing have aligned to create something both expressive and rare.

Whether you are new to English Sauvignon Blanc or already familiar with its style, this is a wine that invites you to explore and enjoy at your own pace.

We hope you enjoy discovering it. Find it here.