39 in stock
47,90 €
39 in stock
Tim Atkin
Tim Atkin is a UK-based Master of Wine (MW) and wine journalist with an international following.
+The grapes are sourced from vineyards spanning four different regions – Stellenbosch, Robertson, Barrydale and Kaaimansgat (Villiersdorp). They all are nestled in a mixture of shale and high-altitude granitic soils.
The wine is imbued with opulence and richness as a result of the shale soils, while the granitic soils contribute elegance and refinement.
Following a 48-hour settling period, the juice is transferred to a combination of oak barrels and ceramic pots, where it is inoculated with a carefully selected yeast strain for the fermentation process.
After fermentation, the wine is racked off the gross lees. For added complexity, the wine is then returned to French oak barrels, where it matures on the fine lees for 12 months.
To mitigate the impact of excessive new oak flavours and aromas, only 20% of these barrels are first fill (used for the first time), while the remaining 80% are composed of barrels with an age ranging from 2 to 5 years. In order to preserve the freshness of the wine and achieve a rounded mouthfeel, malolactic fermentation is permitted in only a portion of the barrels during the maturation period.
The Beeslaar Chardonnay unfolds with scented aromas of green apple and invigorating citrus fruits. Ripe pineapple flavours on the palate are delicately juxtaposed against the wine’s mineral nucleus. The moderate alcohol, along with a gentle thread of acidity that weaves through the impeccably balanced core, result in a palate-pleasing and refreshing conclusion.
WINEMAKER: Abrie Beeslaar
COMPOSITION: 100% Chardonnay
ORIGIN: Western Cape
AGE OF VINES: 11 – 16 years
IRRIGATION: Supplementary drip irrigation
SOIL TYPE: Shale / decomposed granite
YIELD: 6 – 8 tons per hectare
AGEING POTENTIAL: 5 – 6 years from vintage
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
During the winter that preceded the harvest in 2022, there was an above-
average amount of precipitation, and there were sufficient cold units to
induce even budding. The heavy rainfall prompted the development of
weeds, pests, and illnesses; nonetheless, these challenges were conquered
by careful management of the vineyard.
VINIFICATION
The grapes were handpicked and whole bunch pressed. After allowing the
juice to settle for 48 hours, it was transferred to a combination of 20% new
French oak barrels, older French oak and ceramic pots for fermentation.
Prior to bottling, the wine was matured for 12 months on the lees.
TASTING NOTES
An expression of Chardonnay that captures the pure essence of this
esteemed grape variety. The grapes, sourced from vineyards nestled in a
mixture of shale and high-altitude granitic soils, contributed a unique
opulence and refinement to the wine. The wine unfolds with aromatic
scents of tart green apple, luscious peaches, and invigorating citrus fruits,
complemented by a subtle mineral essence. The moderate alcohol, along
with a gentle thread of acidity that weaves through the impeccably balanced
core, result in a palate-pleasing and refreshing conclusion.
Data Sheet
https://www.beeslaar.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Fact-Sheet-Beeslaar-Chardonnay-2022.pdf