An exceptional example of what a gentle approach can do with Chardonnay in the cooler Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Located only 5km from the ocean, cool breezes keep these 24-year old vines refreshed. Winemaker Craig Wessels says “I fell in love with Chardonnay through Chablis” and you can taste the homage in the glass. A very elegant wine with masterful balance.

Traditional. Whole cluster pressed in a 1970’s Vaslin basket press, allowing juice to naturally brown (oxidise).
No sulphite added to juice thus preserving the wild yeast and terroir expression. Aged 12 months in Burgundy barrels, 10% new, and a small portion in terracotta pots. Harvested in many batches over three weeks, all vinified separately, matching cooper and barrel age to each parcel. Matured an additional winter in stainless steel tank to naturally stabilise and a further 18 months ageing in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes: Complex nose of struck match, oatmeal, lemongrass, and lime, with palate notes of textured citrus (lemon/grapefruit), toffee apple, vanilla, and wet granite minerality, supported by vibrant acidity and a long, pithy finish, showcasing a balance of freshness and density from its old vines in Hemel-en-Aarde.

After 26 years of farming it, Craig Wessels knows how to get the best out of this remarkable vineyard. Everything is aligned on his superb 2022 release, which shows a difficult-toachieve combination of freshness and density. Oatmeal, struck match and lemongrass aromas segue into a palate of subtle baking spices,  beeswax and citrus zest complemented by lees-derived texture. Bravo! 2025-35. Tim Atkin 97

Grapes from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the general Hemel-en-Aarde area, planted 1999. Matured for 12 months, mostly in 500-litre barrels (10% new), but also including small portions in terracotta pots and stainless-steel barrel. Complex aromatics of floral perfume, lemon, a touch of orange, oatmeal and some leesy complexity while the palate displays dense fruit and punch acidity before a savoury finish. The texture is just creamy enough while the flavours are elaborate. Mesmerising stuff.  CE’s rating: 97/100.