Chardonnay

The  Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay  specifically hails from the  Hemel-en-Aarde  valley, one of the most thrilling regions for cultivating the  chardonnay  varietal in South Africa. The vines are planted in sandy and decomposed granite soils, enjoying a cool and moderate climate where mountain ranges channel oceanic breezes. There is a constant effort to preserve the land's unique biodiversity, eradicating exotic plants and weeds while implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in refrigerated trucks. There, the fruit is...

TEXSOM Awards 2025 (Dallas), Platinum Medal.  IWSC 2025, Gold Medal: 97 points. “Perfumed precision on the nose with enticing stone fruit, almond milk, and a touch of flint. On the palate, the creamy, buttery texture unfolds with notes of white peach, caramel, and a touch of nuttiness. This elegant experience culminates in a dense, mineral finish that lingers beautifully,' Judges Panel IWSC, 2025.   From the dramatic slopes of Delaire Graff Estate, this Chardonnay is as multifaceted as the setting of its vineyards.  Meticulous vineyard management, combined with exceptional terroir, yields fruit of superb...

VITICULTURE Chardonnay grapes sourced from the magnificent Tierhoek property high in the mountains of Piekenierskloof, at 760 meters above sea level on loam soils, with the cold Atlantic ocean moderating the summer days. The diurnal difference between warm days and cool nights on account of the elevation creates a wine of intensity and focus while retaining freshness and purity. VINIFICATION Hand harvested and cooled overnight, this was whole-bunch pressed very gently directly to seasoned French Oak barrels and terracotta eggs and doliums. Partial un-innoculated fermentation in barrel and clay followed by malolactic fermentation and elevage...

THE WINE: An expression of what Hartenberg Estate is able to do with Chardonnay in a younger, modern and upfront wine style, fermented in stainless steel, sans wood. The Chardonnay fruit includes younger parcels of the grape which are wonderfully expressive and offer earlier accessibility. TASTING NOTE: Fresh and expressive, the wine opens with aromas of apple, pear, citrus, and floral notes. The palate is zesty yet generous, offering vibrant flavours of apple and pear, lifted by a zesty lime finish. Approachable, with plenty of character.