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1503: Discover the range, exclusively at Majestic

About 1503

Established in 1503, Hush Heath Manor has been the Balfour-Lynn family home since the 1980s.

Set amidst 400 acres of ancient oak woodland in Kent’s Weald, the manor overlooks its vineyards. In 2002, Richard Balfour-Lynn began planting vines with a focus on crafting fine sparkling rosé. Assisted by Stephen Skelton, MW, and guided by Owen Elias, a four-time UKVA Winemaker of the Year, the winemaking journey began.

Today, Fergus Elias oversees day-to-day winemaking. With 40 acres of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and select Champagne varieties, Hush Heath remains England’s only dedicated Rosé sparkling wine vineyard, committed to producing world-class wines.

The 1503 Wines

The 1503 Classic Cuveé

Winemaking

Named after the year Hush Heath Manor was built, the 1503 Classic Cuvée is beautifully balanced with lively citrus, apple fruit, and vibrant English acidity. It is the perfect introduction to English sparkling wine.

Approachable in style, the quality of the Kentish fruit is the star. A superb example of a fruit-forward yet complex traditional method English sparkling wine, it is arguably England’s best value traditional method sparkling wine.

Technical Info

  • Blend: 56% Chardonnay, 23% Pinot Noir, 13% Pinot Blanc, 7% Pinot Meunier
  • Dosage: 9g/l
  • Vineyards: Multi-vineyard, all from clay soils

Tasting Note

Beautifully balanced. Lively lemony acidity, crisp apple, white pepper, and thyme characters with a touch of toasted brioche.

Food Pairing

Amazing with fish and chips, oysters, or as an aperitif.

The 1503 Rosé NV

Winemaking

Balfour has a reputation for producing some of the country’s finest sparkling rosés, and the 1503 Rosé is no exception. As with its sibling, the 1503 Classic Cuvée, the emphasis in this wine is on the purity and expression of Kentish fruit. This traditional method sparkling wine bursts with strawberry and raspberry flavours. As with all the best English wines, the fresh acidity provides balance to the fruit, while lees ageing adds a hint of brioche on the finish.

Technical Info

  • Blend: 55% Pinot Noir, 34% Pinot Meunier, 6% Chardonnay
  • Dosage: 16g/l
  • Vineyards: Multi-vineyard, all from clay soils

Tasting Note

Ripe summer fruits with a lovely sweet-spice and bakery note. Full of refined red berry flavours with lively acidity, balanced with a touch of sweetness.

Food Pairing

Enjoy as an aperitif or with food. The winemaker’s favourite match is venison sausages.

The 1503 Albariño 2023

Winemaking

Our Westerhill site, planted in 2018, is one of the most enviable sites in England. With Greensand soil, a steep southerly aspect, and a long history of growing premium fruit, this vineyard is our warmest site and was chosen to become our flagship Albariño vineyard. Now reaching maturity, grapes grown here produce wines showing all the hallmarks of classic Albariño and offer a glimpse into what will become one of the staples of English wine.

Technical Info

  • Blend: 100% Albariño
  • Harvested in late November for maximum ripeness. With full malolactic fermentation and extended lees ageing to add weight and structure.

Tasting Note

A classic Albariño style with a Kentish twist. Crisp, fresh acidity combined with a wonderful textured mouthfeel makes this a wine not to be missed.

Food Pairing

An iconic match for seafood, but also try it with salty cheeses or new season asparagus.

The 1503 Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking

A fascinating, complex English Chardonnay. Made from the superb 2022 vintage from Kentish fruit grown primarily on chalk. Prolonged lees ageing, cool fermentation, and careful blending have combined to create a wine of true complexity and interest.

Chardonnay with a small percentage of the extremely rare grape variety “Petit Meslier” for seasoning.

Technical Info

  • Blend: 97% Chardonnay, 3% Petit Meslier
  • Winemaking: Cool fermentation with long lees ageing for added texture and weight.
  • Multi-vineyard with grapes grown on chalk.

Tasting Note

Complex, crisp, citrus, and green apple characters, with a hint of spice from the Petit Meslier. A rolled oak character adds complexity and texture.

Food Pairing

Fresh grilled seafood, tomato-based salads, or salty feta.

The 1503 Rosé 2023

Winemaking

Balfour have a long reputation for producing some of England’s finest still rosés, since the Balfour Brut Rosé became the first English Wine to win Gold and the Trophy at the International Wine Challenge.

This crisp, fresh, red fruit-dominated English Rosé is no exception. Why buy Provence when English rosé tastes this good?

Technical Information

  • Blend: 55% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir,
  • 15% Regent
  • Multi-vineyard, primarily clay soils. Made with super cool fermentation for maximum aromatics.

Tasting Note

Think Kentish orchard fruits, ripe strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of cherry.

Food Pairing

Summer salads, lighter dishes, or even soft blue or goat’s cheeses.

The 1503 Pinot Noir 2023

Winemaking

Crunchy, delicious red fruit shines through in this Alsace-style Pinot Noir. Made using PN375 (the Alsace clone), this Pinot offers great fruit and complexity with subtle hints of second-fill

French oak.

This wine works on many levels, pairing wonderfully with game and food in general, but also works well lightly chilled as an aperitif with a small bowl of almonds for snacking.

Technical Information

  • Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
  • Predominantly chalk vineyards. Made with whole berries with slight semi-carbonic maceration. 10% aged in French and American oak.

Tasting Note

Crunchy red fruit, cranberry, and a hint of rhubarb with sweet baking spice.

Food Pairing

Cold-cut meats, lighter chicken dishes, and fish. Try serving lightly chilled.

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