Castelli Estate Sparkling NV

A very fine sparkler from the Great Southern region of Western Australia is not something we see every day. This non-vintage effort is a blend of 92% Chardonnay, 7% Pinot Noir and just 1% Pinot Meunier, which has spent a year and a half on lees. The mix of vintages is, we are told, “spanning the last decade”. A lemony hue, this is clean and refreshing, neatly balanced. The nose gives an attractive citrus and chalky character to the wine with lemons, a flick of honeycomb and florals in support. There is a touch of stone fruit on the palate along with some bitey acidity (if bitey is not a word, it should be). Good length on a fizz which should provide pleasure for at least the next four to five years.