#498 An Ol***ic Ceremony wine trio

There is athletic opening ceremony tonight and due to the lack of 2012 vintage wine, particularly from the London area, I decided to to try three wines from Olympic nations - England and Greece.  None are medal winners, be it gold, silver or bronze, but are summer drinks that I thought were rather tasty.  Neither cost twenty or twelve pounds, but are around the fifteen mark.  

(PS - Mr Trading standards person, I don't make any money from this website and I am simply reviewing wines that I have no commercial benefit from reviewing, therefore I'm allowed to use words such as Olympic, medal, London, 'twenty twelve' and so forth)

2010 Santorini Dry White Wine

Made with the Assyrtiko Grape this is very floral with a bright tangerine aroma coming through.    The palate has more of the same, a little chunky, with some delightful clean fruit, sweeter citrus - almost blood orange - and with a lovely minerally, pencil lead and hot summer dust finish.  Delicious.  88pts

2010 Stopham Estate Pinot Blanc

From Sussex, this is minerally, gentle with some hints of hot grass and gooseberry coming out.  A lovely, grassy, gooseberry flavour with hedgerow, with hawthorn, lemon pith and slightly diluted lemon juice.  A touch minerally on the finish with nice acid and very balanced.  89pts

And if you win a race, you could always try this English fizz

2007 Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs

A Kent producer, with round, biscotti aromas with citrus pith, pea pod and a lovely bright lemon aroma.  A tiny amount of oriental spice as well.  The palate is more of the same, delicious crisp apple followed by slightly underripe melon, and an awesome, Champagne-esque minerality and acid.  Delicious.  90pts