Finding Lark Hill was a very analytical and involved process. Estuarine Essex is twinned, at least geologically, with Pomerol. The best right bank clays are smectited, and they bring a particular plushness to wine. With this in mind, we set about finding out if any smectite-rich clay occurred at the surface of the Essex countryside, or whether we were dealing with a homogenous landscape of samey subsoils. 

Our efforts were rewarded. We located a rare seam of active clay that sloped at all the right angles. Luck played its part too. Finding land is one thing; buying it is another. We were fortunate to find a willing seller. Lark Hill will be planted this spring and we believe it has extraordinary potential for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.