Leonardslee Wine Estate Earns Top Scores at Decanter Vintage English Sparkling Panel Tasting
Leonardslee Shines at Decanter's Vintage English Sparkling Panel Tasting
Leonardslee Sparkling Wine Collection
July 2025 – Leonardslee Wine Estate has made an impressive mark on the global wine stage, receiving high praise in Decanter’s latest Vintage English Sparkling Wine panel tasting.
Nestled in the heart of the Sussex High Weald with sweeping views of the South Downs, Leonardslee’s 15-hectare vineyard is quickly establishing itself as a leader among England’s sparkling wine producers. Under the direction of winemaker Johann Fourie, the estate’s newest releases have earned critical acclaim from a panel of Masters of Wine and wine experts at a Decanter Vintage English Sparkling Panel tasting held in London this May.
Leonardslee Brut Reserve 2021
Leonardslee Brut Reserve 2021 – 95 points
One of the estate’s flagship releases, the Reserve Brut 2021, was among the highest-rated wines in the tasting, receiving an outstanding 95 points.
Crafted from a classic blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Meunier, this wine embodies elegance and complexity. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with a portion (20%) aged in French oak, along with 6% reserve wine included in the final blend. After spending 30 months on the lees, the result is a sparkling wine with structure, richness, and poise.
Susie Barrie MW described it as “really savoury, a rich, bready, hedonistic style that has lovely mouthwatering acidity… Long, layered and toasty.”
Simon Field MW praised the wine’s “persistent mousse, a pleasing autolytic character and plenty of energy, tension and length.”
Rebecca Palmer noted “mayblossom notes and deeper, mushroomy, creamy layers… Expansive on the finish.”
Leonardslee Blanc de Blancs 2020
Leonardslee Blanc de Blancs 2020
Also earning high marks was the Blanc de Blancs Brut 2020, awarded 94 points for its finesse and depth.
Made exclusively from Chardonnay, this cuvée offers a more restrained expression, showcasing purity and precision. With ripe stone fruit notes and a fine mousse, it balances richness with elegance.
The panel noted:
“Restrained and bready with gentle nutty notes and a hint of praline. Ripe nectarine, quince and baked apple bring richness to a fresh, harmonious palate… Elegant, integrated and long with quiet depth.”
Leonardslee Brute Rosé 2021
Leonardslee Brut Rosé 2021
Completing the trio of celebrated wines was the Rosé Brut 2021, which scored a commendable 92 points.
This expressive sparkling rosé is bursting with vibrant red fruit, wild strawberries, and almonds, finishing with a structured, gastronomic appeal.
According to the tasting panel:
“Fresh, fruity and bready on the palate with mouthwatering acidity… Fine mousse carries cherry, almond and biscuit notes. Slightly phenolic on the finish with a serious gastronomic feel.”
three of our wines at the event, showcasing the elegance, craftsmanship, and potential of English sparkling wine on a truly global stage.
It was a moment of immense pride to see Leonardslee wines enjoyed at such a prestigious gathering, with our winemaker Johann Fourie on hand to share the story behind every bottle.
A Promising Legacy
Planted in 2017 and first releasing wines in 2024, Leonardslee Wine Estate is proving that age is no barrier to excellence. These accolades reflect not just the potential of English sparkling wine, but the passion and precision behind Leonardslee’s winemaking philosophy.
As the estate continues to grow, its wines are fast becoming a hallmark of quality and sophistication on the global stage, elegant, expressive, and unmistakably English.
Explore the collection at Leonardslee Wine Estate and experience the artistry of award-winning English sparkling wine.