(2026) The 'Oriana Golden Spur' is described as a 'pre-release' of the 2022 vintage of Oriana, which will be released as a vintage wine after further ageing. This was bottled in July 2023 and disgorged August 2025. It is composed of 53% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay and 1% Pinot Noir. Just 3% was fermented in barrel and the dosage is low at 4g/l. Light gold in colour, there's plenty of nuttiness and bruised Cox's pippin on the nose, in a creamy and forward, gently oxidative style with a hint of honey. The palate has excellent freshness. Real zip here, with a lick of salt and biting citrus, but it does sit over that nutty character and a suggestion of yellow plum fruit into a pleasing, long finish.
(2024) This second ever release from Weyborne is a 2019 vintage wine that is 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier from their oldest vineyard, planted in 2004. Made in an oxidative style, including 3% barrel ferment, it has a relatively deep colour and has plenty of minuscule bubbles. The nose has nettle and pastry aromas, something reminding me of yellow fruits - mirabelle plum or persimmon perhaps. It's labeled Brut, but has only 2g/l dosage, so it is dry and racy on the palate. There is fruit sweetness, of English orchards and citrus, but a free-flowing acidity and hint of saltiness makes it gastronomic too. Another impressive wine from Weyborne.
