A cool-climate Elgin wine, known for its mineral-driven, stony profile with notes of lime zest, oatmeal, Granny Smith apple, and a chalky texture, often described as elegant and precise, with subtle kiwi and walnut hints, fermented and matured in large oak foudres for a refined, mineral tension rather than overt oakiness. 

The Chardonnay vines were planted in 2021 on Habibi Farm, in the heart of the Elgin Valley. They are split across two distinct blocks: one southeast-facing, planted to clone CY96; and another planted to clone CY548 on a northwesterly slope – a deliberate choice to shield this sensitive clone from the prevailing southeaster, which can disrupt flowering. Both blocks are trained in the Guyot tradition and rooted in Bokkeveld shale soils rich in clay – ideal for retaining moisture and lending weight to the mid-palate. The cooler southeast exposure of the CY96 block helps to moderate sunlight during ripening, preserving both freshness and phenolic structure.

Tasting Notes: Platinum in hue and cool in demeanour, the 2024 Chardonnay opens with a nose of stony restraint: salty flint, gravel, oatmeal, terracotta clay, lime zest, and lemon leaf. As the wine warms, subtle notes of kiwi fruit begin to emerge, adding lift and nuance to the citrus–mineral spine. On the palate, a vivid seam of lime juice runs cleanly through the centre, hemmed in by white citrus pith and a chalk-dry tannic grip. At first, the texture holds the fruit tightly within – savoury and reserved – but with time, it begins to unfurl. Granny Smith apple and kiwi notes surface, with a whisper of walnut on the tail. The finish is long and focused, trailing apple skin and bracing lime.

From blocks planted in 2021 on Habibi. Fermented and matured for 10 months in 1,000-litre foudre. Gorgeous aromatics of pear, lime, lemon, apple, floral perfume, talcum powder and a slight nutty note. The palate is almost ethereal in its delicacy – pure fruit and brisk acidity before a pithy finish. Poised, vivid, taut. Alc: 12.5%. CE’s rating: 94/100.

ANALYSIS: ALC 12.5% |  TA 6.1g/l | pH 3.18 | RS 2.8g/l