Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.0%
Residual Sugar 2.2 g/L
pH 3.3
Total Acidity 5.7 g/L
Calories (estimated) 110 kcal / glass
150ml glass110 kcal
750ml bottle550 kcal
Grape Varieties Chardonnay
Chardonnay100%
Drinking Window 8+ years from vintage under ideal cellaring conditions
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite
Grapes Picked February 2021
Fermentation Vessels Oak Barrel
Pressing Method Whole Cluster
Natural Yeast Yes
Indigenous Yeast Yes
Malolactic Fermentation 100%
Oak Aging 8 months
Lees Aging 10 months
Oak Details 25% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak25%
Oak Types French
Barrel Size 300 Litre
Bottling Date November 2021
Fining Agents Isinglass, Bentonite
Production Details The 2021 vintage was produced with the challenges of COVID-19 ever present. The winter of 2020 started late after a warm autumn and was cold with plenty of rain. The cool and wet conditions extended well into spring, through summer and much of the harvest season. The result of these conditions was slow, steady, stress free vineyard growth and fruit development. White grape yields were lower than average due to the impact of the weather during critical stages in fruit development. The white wines from the vintage ripened two weeks later than in 2020 and achieved full ripeness at lower sugar levels; producing wines with lower alcohols, excellent acidity and brilliant flavour development. Yields were higher than average in the reds and the slow ripening season saw excellent flavour and tannin development. These well-structured wines with moderate alcohols and good acidity should show plenty of potential to age. Careful tending and selection in the vineyard followed by traditional wild barrel fermentation and maturation produces a classic Chardonnay balancing the expression of fruit, freshness, full malolactic fermentation and the influence of oak.
Tasting Notes
Nose: apricot, coconut, orange peel
Palate: marzipan, sponge cake, citrus
Critics Ratings International Wine & Spirits Competition: Silver Medal - 94 Points
International Wine & Spirits CompetitionSilver Medal - 94 Points
Platter’s Wine Guide4.5 Stars - 94 Points
Decanter World Wine AwardsSilver Medal - 92 Points
James Sucking92 Points
The Wine Spectator91 Points
Winemag.co.za – Christiaan Eedes91 Points
Tim Atkin SA Report90 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate90 Points
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Rustenberg Wines, Rustenberg Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Phone
+27 21 809 1200
Email
Owner
Barlow Family (Simon, Rozanne, Murray)
Cellarmaster
Murray Barlow