g.p.s. Lower duivenhoks river chardonnay
depth of flavour kept beautifully in check by the cleansing tension of acidity.
100% Chardonnay made from Dijon clone CY95.
In 2016, I discovered a small parcel of Chardonnay grapes growing on limestone soils – a rarity in the Western Cape. With limestone often touted as beneficial for Chardonnay grapes, it made sense to grasp this opportunity with both hands.
Gorgeous aromatic intensity displaying peach blossom, incense, white nectarine, red apple and a flutter of dried pineapple. Nudges of oat bran and oat flakes are also there. This wine is very much a juxtaposition of soft, gentle smoothness set alongside an incisive mineral acidity. Broader in the mid-palate in contrast with clean lines and focus that drives the wine along in the mouth. As the wine unfolds further, there is a chalk dust texture, coated with supple tinned peach slices, pear flesh, satsuma peel and suggestions of pineapple; all gently enrobed with a creamy, light, spicy oak. On the extended finish, there is even a hint of lemon acid and pithiness, adding further complexity to a hugely appealing wine. Certainly, it is one of the best Chardonnay vintages of the past 10 years.
Selected from a single vineyard block of Chardonnay in the Lower Duivenhoks River area.
The wine rested in barrel for eleven months. A small number of artisanal coopers were selected, all from Burgundy, and only French oak was chosen. Importantly, each clone and soil type was microvinified as separate batches. In 2020, it was 62% new oak and 100% in 228L barrels.
Alcohol: 13.47% | pH: 3.35 | RS: 2.6 g/l
R725
per 750ml
accolades for 2020
Platter's Wine Guide 2023
★★★★★
95 points
Sophisticated, finely crafted & already showing easy harmony. Lemony flavours subtle
though deep, enlivened by complementary acid; comfortable weight; finish clean & long.
-Angela Lloyd, Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2022
Tim atkin
92/100
Vines on sandstone soils within a short walk of the ocean supply the grapes for this stylishly wooded Chardonnay from one of South Africa's best exponents of the grape. Aniseed and struck match aromas are a prelude to a palate that combines peach and waxed lemon flavours and a twist of nutmeg spice. 2023-28.
-Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2022
accolades for 2019
Platter's Wine Guide 2022
4.5*
Jancis Robinson
17/20
Tim atkin
93/100
