Ninth Island Sparkling Cuvée NV

Value for money on full display here. Traditional method. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier. It takes some time to unfurl, but there’s decent complexity here at such a modest price point. Gently bitter notes of preserved lemon and green almond set the scene before white flowers, subtle sourdough and lemon curd. Some time in the glass reveals a lift of white strawberry and more pronounced salted dough notes. There’s a good prickle of creamy bead on the palate, tussling with Meyer lemon, white flowers, a tang of lemon zest and green apple with the lees derived dough notes lingering beneath. It’s all about bright acidity and freshness through the finish.