Technical Analysis
The Moederkerk (Mother Church)is a landmark building in Stellenbosch, a towering example of neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1863 by architect, Carl Otto Hager.
Tasting note
Inviting aromas of fresh white pear, lemon meringue, and delicate frangipani.
Nuanced yet youthful on the palate, with vibrant acidity complementing a textured, full mouthfeel. Layers of citrus, melon, and nectarine deliver a rich, lingering fruit profile
Vintage conditions
Winter was cold and wet with above-average rainfall, replenishing soil and dam levels. Floods in June damaged some infrastructure, but luckily no damage to vines. Spring frost, rain, and easterly winds delayed budding and flowering, reducing yields – Chardonnay down 50% and Chenin Blanc by 25%. From September, warmer, drier weather boosted vine vigour, leading to an early harvest for some varieties. Summer was very hot, with heat waves managed by canopy cover. March’s cooler nights slowed ripening, enhancing colour in reds. Overall, expect intense white wines and red wines with deep colour and extraction
Vinification details
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 75% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 10% new oak, 20% second fill, and 70% seasoned oak
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Technical Analysis
The Moederkerk (Mother Church)is a landmark building in Stellenbosch, a towering example of neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1863 by architect, Carl Otto Hager.
Tasting note
Indulgent aromas of jasmine, fresh pear, lemon meringue and a hint of toast. Soft and smooth on the palate, with balanced acidity and medium body. Finely textured with flavours of lemon, winter melon, butter and a hint of vanilla.
Vintage conditions
Winter conditions were ideal with good rainfall supplementing water reserves, and resulting in steady growth. This provided an excellent foundation for the 2022 vintage. Cool and wet conditions throughout the spring and early summer made the vintage challenging in the vineyard, which was counteracted by a hot January. Ripening was slow, allowing for phenolics and flavours to develop.
Vinification details
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 65% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 15% new oak
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Technical Analysis
The Moederkerk (Mother Church)is a landmark building in Stellenbosch, a towering example of neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1863 by architect, Carl Otto Hager.
Tasting note
This Chardonnay has an immediately expressive floral perfume of chamomile and elderflower, backed up by lemon curd, white peach, and poached pear. Soft and textured on the palate, with a well-integrated acidity that balances the juicy, mouth-filling fruit flavours. Lemon and white peach follow through from the nose, with subtle notes of butter and shortcrust from the judicious use of oak.
Vintage conditions
Winter conditions were ideal with good rainfall supplementing water reserves, and resulting in steady growth. This provided an excellent foundation for the 2022 vintage. Cool and wet conditions throughout the spring and early summer made the vintage challenging in the vineyard, which was counteracted by a hot January. Ripening was slow, allowing for phenolics and flavours to develop.
Vinification details
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 65% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 15% new oak
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Technical Analysis
The Moederkerk (Mother Church)is a landmark building in Stellenbosch, a towering example of neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1863 by architect, Carl Otto Hager.
Tasting note
The pronounced floral aroma of apple blossom combines with pineapple, cantaloupe, and lime cordial. Fresh lime and lemon cream are prominent on the palate, with crisp, citrusy acidity. Intense primary fruit with well integrated oak that offers a biscuity flavour of shortbread. Vibrant fruit and a lingering finish.
Vintage conditions
The 2021 vintage followed a cool, wet winter, where regular cold fronts replenished water reserves to pre- drought levels. Moderate temperatures throughout the growing and ripening seasons meant that grapes ripened slowly, retaining acidity while phenolics developed fully. The wines of the 2021 vintage show good promise, with high natural acidity and a good concentration of fruit flavours, indicating quality wines with good ageing potential.
Vinification details
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 70% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 14% new oak
Technical Analysis
The Moederkerk (Mother Church)is a landmark building in Stellenbosch, a towering example of neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1863 by architect, Carl Otto Hager.
Tasting note
Distinctive Chardonnay with an inviting nose of lime, lemon curd and buttered popcorn. The palate shows complex citrus aromas, from fresh lemon and lime to orange zest with a hint of mint. Flavours of walnuts and brioche add depth, balanced by a lively acidity that lifts a creamy softness on the mid-palate. A dry, savoury finish begs for another sip!
Vintage conditions
2020 had all the hallmarks of an excellent vintage. Sustained moderate day temperatures through the growing season, along with timeous seasonal rainfall laid the foundation for a good season. The resulting bigger yield showed high quality, from which we expect first-class wines. Grapes are selected from various sites located in the Stellenbosch region, with each site contributing different characteristics to create complexity in the wine.
Vinification details
Grapes are hand harvested then 100% whole bunch pressed. 75% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. Lees stirring is performed once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation is allowed, to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation takes place for six months in French oak barrels, using 10% new oak.
