Only the very best expressions of Chardonnay are selected for this wine. Focus is placed on blending components that are not necessarily obviously pungent and fruity, but rather those that are intensely and elegantly structured, promising fantastic ageability. On the nose there is a delicate balance of minerality with bursts of grapefruit pith, underpinned by subtle nuances of oak. The rounded, almost waxy, texture is punctuated by a distinct upfront grip and a finish reminiscent of Jasmine flowers and crushed oyster shells. Enjoy now or age up to 10 years at optimum storage conditions.

The grapes were sourced from two contrasting sites in Stellenbosch: Schapenberg and Banhoek. Schapenberg benefits from cool maritime influences off False Bay, preserving freshness and natural acidity, while Banhoek’s warm days and cooler nights contribute structure and vibrant fruit expression. The 2024/2025 season was balanced and moderate throughout. A well-timed winter ensured even budburst, and warm, dry spring conditions set healthy, moderate crops. Summer remained relatively temperate, with minimal disease pressure. Dry mid-summer conditions produced smaller berries with excellent concentration. Grapes were harvested at slightly lower sugar levels, resulting in refined alcohols, bright acidity, and exceptional overall fruit quality, with yields moderate to slightly below average.

The individual vineyard blocks selected for this wine were hand-harvested separately at optimal ripeness, between 21 and 23° Balling. A portion of the fruit was destemmed and gently crushed, with the juice receiving 12–18 hours of skin contact prior to settling. Another portion was whole-bunch pressed to preserve freshness and enhance elegance in the final blend. After 24 hours of settling, the slightly turbid juice was racked off its gross lees into stainless steel tanks and inoculated with selected slow-fermenting yeast strains. The juice was then gravity-fed into its respective fermentation vessels: 53% into 400L French oak barrels (50% new), 19% into Italian terracotta amphorae, and 28% into concrete egg tanks. The wine matured on its lees for an average of seven months before blending and preparation for bottling.

Delicate and fresh with notes of zesty lemon and juicy ripe white peaches. The finish is crisp with lingering voluptuous fruitiness. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 5 years.

This wine is made from the grapes of different regions throughout the Western Cape that are well suited to producing quality Chardonnay. The higher altitude Stellenbosch vineyards that face False Bay contribute texture and fruit, while the Robertson and Bonnievale vineyards generally contribute more minerality owing to the limestone-based soils found in these areas. Abundant winter rainfall in 2024 laid the groundwork for the growing season ahead, with a largely dry and moderate spring promoting even fruit set, which seemingly helped Chardonnay all across the Western Cape rebound from the lower tonnage of the two preceding vintages. Summer started dry and mild, lowering disease pressure and as the season progressed to February and March, the warm, dry days with cool evenings provided the grapes with the best ripening conditions in almost a decade. As close to a perfect vintage as one can get, 2025 will be one to remember for years to come!

All the vineyard parcels were harvested and vinified separately. Almost all (80%) of the grapes were given 12 to 24 hours extended skin contact before only the free-run juice was transferred to tank for fermentation. The balance (20%) was “Whole Bunch” pressed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wines were fermented at low temperatures with selected yeast strains to highlight each vineyard’s specific characteristics. After fermentation the wine was left on the lees for three months before final blending and bottling.