2022 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.74%
Residual Sugar 2 g/L
pH 3.55
Total Acidity 5.5 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Chardonnay
Chardonnay100%
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Dark red, Iron-rich decomposed shale with 15-20% clay
Grapes Picked February 22, 2022
Brix at Harvest 22.9°
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel, Oak Barrel
Total Aging 13 months
Oak Details 94% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak94%
Oak Types French oak
Barrel Size 300L and 400L French oak barrels; 500L amphora
Oak Toast Level Blonde To Medium-Light
Contains Added Sulfites Yes
Production Details Fruit came from the upper end of Devon Valley. All grapes were handpicked, settled for two days, and fermentation started in stainless-steel tanks at 15-17C with selected yeast strains before being moved halfway through fermentation to a combination of 300L and 400L French oak barrels. No malolactic conversion was allowed in order to preserve freshness. The wine matured for 13 months in 94% first-fill French oak barrels and 6% in a 500L amphora.
Tasting Notes
Nose: white pear, ripe peach, citrus orchard, vanilla
Palate: brioche, caramel, roasted almond, bright citrus, creamy nuttiness, elegance, complexity
Critics Ratings Gilbert & Gaillard Awards 2022: 92 Points - Double Gold (2022 Vintage)
Gilbert & Gaillard Awards 202292 Points - Double Gold (2022 Vintage)
Vintages
2021 Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.17%
Residual Sugar 3.2 g/L
pH 3.33
Total Acidity 6.1 g/L
Calories (estimated) 110 kcal / glass
150ml glass110 kcal
750ml bottle550 kcal
Grape Varieties Chardonnay
Chardonnay100%
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Dark red, Iron-rich decomposed shale with 15-20% clay
Grapes Picked February 22, 2021
Total Aging 12 months
Oak Details 30% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak30%
Oak Types French oak
Barrel Size 500L amphora
Contains Added Sulfites Yes
Production Details Vineyard fruit came from the upper end of Devon Valley with supplementary irrigation only as needed. After 22 years of winemaking, this was the winemaker's first experiment with an amphora clay pot, adding viscosity and youthful fruit aromas to complement selected French oak barrels. No malolactic conversion was allowed to preserve the natural acidity. The wine matured for 12 months in 100% French oak, with 30% first-fill barrels and the balance in second- and third-fill barrels, plus a 500L amphora component.
Tasting Notes
Nose: stone fruit, lemon, toasted hazelnut
Palate: creamy texture, complexity, structure, balanced acidity, integrated oak
Critics Ratings International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2023: 90 Points - Silver (2021 Vintage)
International Wine & Spirits Challenge 202390 Points - Silver (2021 Vintage)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Devon Valley Road, Devon Valley, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
Phone
+27 (0)21 865 8100
Owner
Bernard Fontannaz
Cellarmaster
Debbie Thompson