Situated on a steep south-facing slope above the meandering River Yeo, Down St Mary vineyard enjoyed a benign microclimate in the beautiful heart of rural mid Devon. Owners Bernard and Penelope Dow took over the vineyard 3 years ago and since then have taken meticulous care of the vines. The results are now showing in the 2003 wines just released.

This wine is produced from madeleine Angevine and Schonbuger and has wonderful English fruit aromas on the nose of apples and green pears. The palate is bursting with pear drop flavours, a delicious mouthfeel and lingering finish. (3)

The Guewurztraminer shows lovely balance of ripeness, varietal purity and finesse. Fragrant rose-petal/water and grapefruit aromas with a hint of sweet spice, quite rich but with fine structure and complexity, spicy juicy fruit and acidity combine well to finish. (3)

A very impressive Pinot Blanc. Pale golden in colour with perfumed aromatics of peaches and citrus. Touches of minerality and spic on the palate with a dry crisp finish. (2)