The Chardonnay comes from a vineyard planted in 2017 on the farm in the Simonsberg-
Stellenbosch ward. The soils here are a combination of decomposed
granite and shale, imparting a mineral character to the wine. An early
growing season, combined with a cooler spring and early summer, led to
slower ripening of the grapes. However, a warm and dry late summer and
autumn allowed for extended hang time, ultimately resulting in wines with
impressive depth and concentration. The 2022 Chardonnay benefited from
this unique weather pattern, delivering a wine with distinct character.
The winemaking followed a hands-off approach to allow the grapes' natural
characteristics to shine. For the 2022 vintage, an early harvest was done
about three weeks before the main harvest to have a fresher component to
blend into the wine. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were gently pressed,
and the juice was transferred to French oak barrels for fermentation and
maturation. Malolactic fermentation was avoided but batonnage was performed
monthly for the first 6 months. The wine spent a year in barrel, gaining
complexity and texture.
 
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, you'll discover enticing aromas of crisp green apple, citrus zest,
and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The palate is marked by a refreshing acidity,
which beautifully complements flavors of ripe pear, white peach, and a
subtle minerality that speaks to the unique soils of the area. The maturation
in oak barrels imparts a gentle touch of vanilla and a harmonious oak spice.
The finish is clean and lingering, offering a balanced and elegant experience.
 
Alcohol: 13.5%
RS: 3.7 g/L
TA: 5.6 g/L
pH: 3.36