Vondeling Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2020

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