This Chardonnay is named after the stately Candlewood tree that graces the centre of the Chardonnay vineyard. A powerful and appealing style of Chardonnay produced in our traditional style.

ORIGIN Helderberg, Stellenbosch

ASPECT West & North-West facing slopes

SOIL Cumulic soils – Oakleaf, Tukulu

ALTITUDE 420 m above sea level

PROXIMITY TO THE OCEAN 9 km from False Bay

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

A delayed, but good, winter rainfall allowed for adequate replenishing of reserves. A cool and wet spring allowed soil profiles to become well saturated. Winter was not as cold as the previous year but there was sufficient building up of reserves. A cool budding period was experienced with delayed bud break. Veraison occurred later and ripening was prolonged due to low day temperatures which allowed for exceptional colour and flavour in the berries. A vintage showing high quality wines with good ageing potential.

MATURATION 9 months in French oak barrels, 40 % new

OPTIMUM SERVING TEMPERATURE 12 – 14 °C

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR Light-medium gold

NOSE Concentrated on the nose with beautifully pure enveloping layers of peaches and apricots with crushed chalk, nutty walnut and a lingering kiss of earthiness.

PALATE Possesses a concentrated stone fruit core with layers of both fresh and dried peaches and apricots adding richness and depth of flavour. The texture is luxurious, almost decadent, but with a delightfully zesty acidity and well balanced structure which carry it to the alluringly long, saline-edged finish.

GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay

WINE ANALYSIS Alcohol: 13.5 % RS: 2.2 g/litre TA: 6.9 g/litre pH: 3.45