Technical Analysis
The grapes used to make this wine are sourced exclusively from a registered single vineyard on Waterford Estate. This vineyard was planted in 1988, making it one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in South Africa.
Tasting note
Red clay soil adds structure to the wine, while the large granite deposits produce great minerality and finesse to the overall presentation. The 2019 vintage shows slightly richer and a fuller complexity on the palate compared to the previous vintage.
Vintage conditions
Low winter rainfall and odd warm days were experienced during winter then once the season got going, moderate to cool and windless conditions,
perfect for flowering and fruit set leading to high crop potentials. From November onwards, warm berg wind conditions were experienced throughout, creating stressful ripening conditions. Positive results due to early picking dates ensured lower alcohol wines with ironically good freshness.
Vinification details
The grapes was whole bunch pressed and barrel fermented, with bâtonnage for 3 months. The 2019 vintage had minimal Malolactic fermentation, instead opting for freshness, as the wine had great texture. The Waterford Single Vineyard spent 11 months in 100% French Oak Barrels, of which 15% was new.
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux. (Apologies for the sound quality)
Technical Analysis
The grapes used to make this wine are sourced exclusively from a registered single vineyard on Waterford Estate. This vineyard was planted in 1988, making it one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in South Africa.
Tasting note
This Chardonnay vineyard was registered as single vineyard in 2012, which ensures that the traceability of the wine produced exclusively to the original 5.8-hectare block. Soils are comprised of red clay (Hutton) as well as large granite deposits and parent material found throughout the clay profile. The clay adds structure to the wine, while the granite produces great minerality and finesse to the overall presentation. 2018 vintage shows slightly richer and a fuller complexity on the palate compared to the previous vintage.
Vintage conditions
Another year of severe drought conditions, with low winter rainfall and odd warm days during winter. Once the season got going, moderate to cool and windless conditions were experienced, perfect for flowering and fruit set leading to high crop potentials. From November onwards, warm burg wind conditions were experienced throughout creating stressful ripening conditions. Despite this, the positive results through early picking dates are lower alcohol wines with ironically good freshness.
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux. (Apologies for the sound quality)
Technical Analysis
The grapes used to make this wine are sourced exclusively from a registered single vineyard on Waterford Estate. This vineyard was planted in 1988, making it one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in South Africa.
Tasting note
A bright, olive-green colour which has become a notable characteristic of this single vineyard Chardonnay. The aromatics of this wine are driven by fresh peach pip, lime and a light touch of oak from barrel. Waterford's older vines still prove to produce lovely restrained, tightly structured wines that are rather perfumed when young, but develop beautifully during bottle maturation.
Vintage conditions
2017 has been noted as one of the great vintage years in Stellenbosch. Drought conditions prevailed, but temperatures remained moderate-to-cool throughout the season, which resulted in optimal maturation of fruit, but no signs of warmth in the wines. The wines are extremely classical in style, showing tension in the firm and concentrated tannin structures. The cooler conditions also brought about great freshness and purity within the wines.
