Vondeling Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2023

Vineyard This tiny, tree-lined vineyard is tucked away in the upper valley of our farm, protected from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. These moderate temperatures help preserve the grape’s natural acidity and fresh citrus aromas. The yields are kept low to eliminate stress in the vine and ensure good, uniform ripeness. The soil is made up entirely of well-weathered granite. Vinification All grapes are picked at optimum ripeness in the early hours of the morning. They are then packed into a cold room to be chilled further for processing the following day. The grapes are whole bunch pressed, which reduces the absorption of coarse phenolics and helps retain more of the grape’s natural vibrancy. The juice is not settled, but sent directly to 400-litre French oak barrels where spontaneous wild yeast fermentation takes place. No sulphur is added and the wine typically undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. The wine is matured on its yeast lees for 7 months after which it is blended to tank, then returned to barrel for a further 4 months. The wine spends 12 months in barrel before being blended to tank for a further 3 months for improved stabilisation before bottling AWARDS Vondeling Chardonnay 2019 Tim Atkin 2020 - 90 Points Vondeling Chardonnay 2018 Platter's Wine Guide 2021 4 Stars, Michelandgelo Award 2019 Double Gold, South African Wine Index Platinum Award 95+ Vondeling Chardonnay 2017 Platter's Wine Guide 2019 4 Stars Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2018 84/100 James Suckling SA Report 2018 93 Points, Tim Atkin SA Report 2018 91 Points, Neal Martin SA Report 2018 91 Points, South African Wine Index 2018 Grand Gold, SA Old Mutual Wine Show 2018 Silver Vondeling Chardonnay 2015 Platter's Wine Guide 2017 4 Stars, Decanter Magazine Chardonnay Panel Tasting April 2017 90 Points, Veritas Awards 2016 Silver

, 2018 Vintage: 2021 - Platter Guide 4 Stars, 2019 Michelangelo - Double Gold, 2020 South African Wine Index – Platinum Award (95+points)