Chardonnay 2016
The winemaker of our highly rated Chardonnay is not shy for an
opinion, his winemaking philosophy is “Every winemaker must have a
philosophy of some kind, if we don’t, then we can just as well call
ourselves food technicians according to mine." On searching for the
best terroir: "Each component adds to the final product - pure,
honest, awesome wines."
The Vineyard and Wine
The grapes for 2016 vintage come primarily from Stellenbosch with small
portions from high quality vineyards to the South-East
(in the Elgin appellation) and more inland (Franschhoek appellation) for acidity and body
respectively. The art is in skillfully blending the right amounts
from the various terroirs by letting the natural elements come through. The vineyards
are planted in Clovelly and Hutton soils on North-West and South-East facing slopes. The vines are
15-year-old on average and are trained to five wire trellis with
cordon and spurs. Overhead irrigation was used to offset the dry
summer but yields were limited to only 7 tons/ha. The grapes were
harvested on January 15th and whole bunch pressed, naturally settled
and spontaneously fermented in 100% 300-liter French Oak barrels (from Allier and Nevers
regions, light to medium toast).
To enhance the natural flavors of the region, rather than adding commercially
manufactured yeast, fermentation occurred using the grapes natural yeast (that thin film of
white 'dust' found on the grapes) as every region has its own unique
yeasts. The wine was then aged in the oak casks for 12 months on its primary fermentation lees and batonaged once a
month. The result is a fruit driven Chardonnay with aromas of pineapple, guava and fruit salad. Combined with a well-integrated
acid, this wine ensures plenty aromas that will complement salad, seafood and pastas.
Technical details: ALC - 13.5% Vol; PH - 3.34; RS - 2.1 g/l; TA - 5.2 g/l.
Awards:
92 points - John Platter Wine Guide 2018
Silver - TEXSOM 2019 International Wine Awards
Lynne Safriel's thoughts: "This is my favorite wine for getting together with my friends at a wine bar".