Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2024

Description:

The Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2024 is crafted from grapes grown on two adjacent, west-facing vineyards planted in weathered shale with very high calcium content. Clones CY277 and CY96 were selected for their balance of concentration and natural acidity. Grapes were hand-picked at optimal ripeness and hand-sorted in the cellar. Juice from two pressing cycles was divided into four batches with varying levels of oxygen exposure and solids content before fermentation in French oak barrels. Twenty-five percent of the wine underwent secondary malolactic fermentation to enrich mouthfeel and balance, while the entire blend remained on its lees for the full 10 months of maturation (40% new French oak). Production totaled 29 barrels. Bottled at 13.5%. (Bottle size 750 ml)

Nose: Aromas of hazelnut, shortbread biscuit, peach, and yellow apple offer an enticing, layered bouquet with subtle lees-derived complexity.

Palate: On entry, flavors of pear and golden citrus meld seamlessly with a touch of honeycomb, all framed by a core of saline, mineral freshness. The lees influence delivers a rich, creamy texture

Finish: A long, generous finish reveals bright acidity that lifts the fruit. Subtle oak spices linger alongside a final whisper of toasted almond.