Cap Maritime, Chardonnay 2018

The nose is delicate and refined with its complex aromas of lemon, yellow apple, pear and starfruit. Rich flavours of quince, lime, honeydew melon and crème fraîche dominate an opulent, full, yet vibrant palate. The wine is supple and precise with poised acidity and freshness. The mid-palate shows incredible balance with subtle nuances of pie crust and blanched almonds from exceptional oak handling, creating intensity with the rich texture and pure fruit. Hints of fresh pineapple, poached pear and lemongrass linger on a clean, focused finish.

The Hemel and Aarde Valley is one of the most exciting places to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in South Africa, and with Cap Maritime we have created wines that capture the essence of their origin, while at the same time representing a style of wine that we aspire to.

The 2018 vintage was healthy with moderate growing conditions and extended hang times, allowing the chardonnay to reach full phenolic ripeness in this maritime climate. This vintage resulted in a riper fruit profile with concentrated texture on the palate.

For this wine, Chardonnay grapes were sourced from a small parcel from the Hemel en Aarde Valley Ridge and transported in small lug boxes to our Franschhoek Winery in refrigerated trucks, maintaining the freshness of the grapes.

Careful selection took place prior whole-bunch pressing. The juice settled naturally in the tank for two days before being racked off into 60% new French oak and 40% Nomblot concrete eggs, where fermentation started spontaneously. Occasional light batonnage took place during the 14 month maturation period.

• Alcohol: 13.8% vol
• RS: 2.8 g/l
• TA: 5.7 g/l
• W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge