Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.5%
Grape Varieties Chardonnay
Chardonnay100%
Drinking Window 2023-2029
Region Elgin
Soil Sandstone
Harvest Dates March 2-4, 2021
Brix at Harvest 23.0°
Grape Clone Dijon CY76
Fermentation Vessels Oak Barrel
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Natural Yeast Yes
Oak Aging 11 months
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French
Barrel Size 228 litre barrels
Production Details 2021 was an outstanding vintage that was cooler and later than the ten-year average. During the post-harvest period of 2020, there were reasonable water reserves in the soil and this allowed the vines to have a successful build-up of reserves as we headed into winter. Winter rainfall was significantly higher than the previous season. Budding occurred in late August around normal and once activated, it was very even for Chardonnay. A cool early Spring with wetter conditions meant the soils remained cool, leading to a delayed growth of the immature shoots by up to three weeks. Flowering and fruit set was characterised by continuous cool conditions with frequent rain showers. Veraison occurred 2-3 weeks later than average giving a much longer hangtime than normal and harvesting began in late February but went deep into March. The wines themselves have a fabulous pH with high acidity and perfumed flavour profiles; alcohols are somewhat lower than average, in fact, the lowest since I began making wine. Grapes were hand-picked in the early autumnal mornings, placed into small lug baskets and tipped directly into a press before being gently whole-bunch pressed. The juice gravity-flowed directly to barrel without settling. The unclarified juice had no enzymes or yeast added to it and therefore underwent spontaneous fermentation until dry, with malolactic discouraged. The wine rested in barrel for four months before judicious sulphuring and a further seven months' maturation in barrel before racking, blending and bottling. A small number of artisanal coopers were selected, all from Burgundy and only French oak was chosen. This wine was micro-vinified as a separate batch. In 2021, 50% was new oak; 100% using 228 litre barrels.
Tasting Notes
lemon chiffon, citrus oil, lime, lemon cream biscuits, apple blossom, brisk acidity, saline, crushed rocks, orchard fruit, apricot cream, toasted almonds, oatmeal, wintergreen, quarry dust, mineral, salted lemons
Critics Ratings James Suckling (Claire Nesbitt): 96/100
James Suckling (Claire Nesbitt)96/100
Vinous (Neal Martin)96/100
Platter's Wine Guide 20245 stars, 95 points
Tim Atkin95/100
Producer Information
Website
Address
Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone
+27 21 200 2589
Owner
Richard Kershaw
Cellarmaster
Richard Kershaw MW