TASTING NOTES

A classic expression of a Stellenbosch Chardonnay, displaying a light straw colour. On the nose, an inviting trio of stone fruit, lemon, and toasted hazelnut notes. A seductive creaminess coats the palate, lending complexity and structure. The wine has a well-balanced acidity with beautifully expressive integrated oak.

VINEYARDS

The vineyard is situated at the upper end of Devon Valley. The soil is dark red, rich in iron. This well decomposed shale has 15-20% clay content, as well as an excellent water holding capacity and therefor only supplementary irrigation is required. During harvest time, meticulous tasting of fruit determines the picking time. Grapes were picked on the 22nd of February 2021.

 

WINEMAKING

After 22 years of winemaking this was my first year of experimenting with an amphora clay pot. The cellar was filled with excitement and our patience was rewarded with an additional blending component. The viscosity and youthful fruit aromas of the amphora complemented the richness of the selected French oak barrels. No malolactic conversion was allowed to preserve the natural acidity. Maturation of the wine for 12 months in 100% French oak (30% first fill, the rest second and third fill) and 500L amphora.