Sidewood Vigneron's Release Chloe Cuvée Sparkling Late Disgorged 2013

Hand harvested Pinot Noir 35% | 65% Chardonnay

Stuart McCloskey, tasted 14 July 2026 "The 2013 Chloe Cuvée is a sparkling wine that simply commands your attention. Matured for more than a decade on its lees before late disgorgement, it delivers extraordinary complexity whilst retaining remarkable freshness, vitality and precision. The bouquet unfolds in effortless layers of toasted brioche, warm croissant, acacia honey and roasted hazelnuts, complemented by preserved lemon, baked apple, ripe orchard fruits and a delicate whisper of sea spray. The mousse is exquisitely fine, creating a seamless, creamy texture that glides across the palate before giving way to an incredibly long, mineral-laced finish.

There is tremendous depth here, yet the wine never feels heavy, overworked, or tired. Instead, it possesses that rare ability to combine richness with remarkable tension, making every sip utterly compelling. Having enjoyed many bottles of House of Arras during my career, I can say without hesitation that this comfortably rivals, and for my palate, surpasses the finest Grand Vintage releases.

In fact, with approximately four to five additional years on its lees compared with many of Australia's most celebrated prestige sparkling wines, it achieves an even greater degree of autolytic complexity, texture and refinement. At its asking price, I can think of nothing that comes remotely close. It is an astonishing wine and, pound for pound, represents one of the greatest bargains in the world of fine sparkling wine.

Serve in a Zalto Universal stem. It is magnificent today, yet far from its final destination. Drink now or cellar with complete confidence over the next five to eight years and watch this beautiful wine evolve with even greater depth, harmony and finesse.

One final note. Around a year ago, I enjoyed lunch with Giant Steps' Head of Winemaking, Mel Chester. Alongside a superb line-up of wines, we shared a bottle of Nyetimber's flagship 1086 - a magnificent sparkling wine carrying a price tag to match (£150 from the winery). It was a memorable bottle – I have enjoyed a few. Yet, tasting the 2013 Chloe Cuvée today, I can honestly say I find this every bit as compelling. That is perhaps the highest compliment I can pay Sidewood's remarkable achievement."