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.
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
Perfumed floral notes waft out of the glass, showing enticing orange blossom with buttermilk, lime and green apples. Firm acidity adds lightness to a medium-bodied palate, with citrus fruits, granny smith apples and pears. A subtle oak component of butterscotch and vanilla adds complexity and body to the wine. The savoury finish has a lemony tang shot through with a saline note.
Vintage conditions
The vintage was characterised by a moderate summer, after a relatively warm, dry winter. Cooler days and nights during ripening resulted in slower sugar accumulation, while phenolics developed steadily. Cooler weather also allowed for longer hang time, resulting in more fruit development. Grapes were selected from various sites located in the Stellenbosch region, with each site contributing different characteristics to create complexity in the wine.
Vinification details
Grapes were hand harvested then partially destemmed, with one third pressed as whole bunches. Fermentation took place in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, with lees stirring once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation allowed to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation took place for six months in French oak barrels, using 13% 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
Aromas of apple blossom, lemon zest, white peach and melon with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, citrus notes abound with lemon, lime and grapefruit. Stone-like minerality and beeswax flavours give texture while fresh acidity adds focus to this elegant wine.
Vintage conditions
The 2018 vintage was dry, following three consecutive years of drought, conditions which allowed the grapes to develop concentrated fruit flavours.
Vinification details
Grapes were hand harvested then partially destemmed, with one third pressed as whole bunches. Fermentation took place in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, with lees stirring once every three weeks, and partial malolactic fermentation allowed to add texture and character to the wine. Maturation took place for six months in seasoned French oak barrels.
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
Deep straw with a light green hue. Notes of peach, candyfloss and figs develop to reveal richer aromas of crème caramel and macadamia nuts due to the light oak influence. Initial notes of citrus peel keep the aromas fresh and light which in turn helps to add complexity. Well-balanced with a round body and clean fruit flavours, this wine is upfront with citrus, nectarines and ripe melons. The opulent body is firmly structured with a subtle yet lengthy finish.
Vinification details
Thirty five per cent of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks; the other 65% was fermented in old French oak barrels. The wine was then matured separately for 6 months before being blended just prior to bottling.
