This Chardonnay has an immediately expressive floral perfume of chamomile and elderflower, backed up by lemon curd, white peach, and poached pear. Soft and textured on the palate, with a well-integrated acidity that balances the juicy, mouth-filling fruit flavors. Lemon and white peach follow through from the nose, with subtle notes of butter and short crust from the judicious use of oak.
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 65% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 15% new oak.
Winemaker: Jean Engelbrech
Winemaker: Jean Engelbrech
First conceived in 2005, the wine evolved from a single Bordeaux-style blend, to a range that reflects the Stellenbosch viticultural landscape. The Stellenbosch Reserve now encompasses seven wines, red and white, focussing on the classic Stellenbosch varieties of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines, like the place, capture that beautiful balance between accessibility and seriousness.
