In 2020 (my 30th vintage of making wine) I experienced a flood of creativity and daring which resulted in our first production of Ataraxia Chardonnay using the ancient Burgundy “black” method. From this creative surge I also produced tiny quantities of the following highly individualistic wines:

Chardonnay “Earthborn” 2020 made entirely from our first production of organically grown grapes, spontaneously fermented, and made in the “black” method.

• Production: 313 x 6 cases.
• Tim Atkin awarded this wine 95 points and wrote the following about this wine: “If the ‘regular’ Ataraxia Chardonnay is very good indeed, this new organic release is exceptional. Fermented in 20% new wood, it’s taut and tangy, with tangerine and lemongrass flavours, subtle spices, impressive structure, and depth and thirst-quenching minerality. An exciting début.”

Chardonnay Skin Contact 2020 made by spontaneously fermenting fully on the grape skins until dryness.

• Production: 237 x 6 cases
• Tim Atkin awarded this wine 93 points and wrote: “An intriguing range extension from Chardonnay maestro Kevin Grant, this was fermented on its skins before ageing in older wood. Unusual, waxy, and slightly tannic, with supporting acidity, lovely minerality and a savoury tang.”

Pinot noir “Earthborn” 2020 also made entirely from our first production of organically grown grapes, and spontaneously fermented.

• Production: 211 x 6 cases.
• Tim Atkin rating: not tasted yet.

Pinot noir Whole Cluster 2020 made by spontaneously fermenting whole bunches to dryness. Whole cluster (also known as whole bunch) fermentation is used in Pinot noir winemaking in varying degrees around the world. Before the invention of crusher-destemmers, it was the original method of making wine – whole, intact bunches are tipped into vessels, stems and all, where fermentation occurs. This has a profound effect on the aroma, texture and tannin “feel” of the wine, the greater the percentage of whole bunch, the greater the effect on the wine. Increased uptake of phenolic compounds from the stems lends a subtlety to the wine, often highlighted by a brighter, vibrant fruit expression

• Production: 218 x 6 cases
• Tim Atkin awarded this wine very creditable 90 points.

Chardonnay 2018 is a chiselled and focused wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense

• Production : 2854 x 6
• Tim Atkin awarded this wine a staggering 95 points in 2019.

Pinot Noir 2018 is sensual and embracing on the palate with a captivating mid-palate depth, lovely transparency and excellent focus on the suavely-tannic finish.

• Production : 2504 x 6
• Tim Atkin rating: not tasted yet.

The packing includes a new, bespoke label (still recognisably Ataraxia though); wax closure, bottles individually wrapped in tissue-paper and shipped in a wooden 6-bottle case.