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: Purity and precision, showcasing the cool-climate character for which the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has become renowned. The nose opens with lifted aromas of white peach, lemon curd and ripe pear, layered with subtle notes of crushed oyster shell, flint and toasted hazelnut. Delicate hints of citrus blossom and brioche add further complexity without overshadowing the wine's vibrant fruit core. On the palate, the wine is beautifully poised, combining richness with striking freshness. Flavours of nectarine, preserved lemon and crisp green apple flow seamlessly across a finely textured mouthfeel, framed by a distinctive mineral edge. Judicious oak maturation contributes subtle nuances of vanilla pod, roasted almond and gentle spice, while maintaining the wine's elegance and transparency. The finish is long, focused and saline, leaving lingering impressions of citrus zest, wet stone and toasted nuts. Refined and age-worthy, the Ava Marie Chardonnay 2023 is a sophisticated expression of site and vintage, balancing tension, depth and finesse with effortless precision.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with elegant, rich dishes that complement its vibrant acidity, lemon-butter notes, and signature oyster shell minerality. Its concentrated stone-fruit layers and textured mouthfeel make it an exceptional match for butter-poached lobster, grilled sea bass, or roast chicken in a creamy herb sauce, where the wine's crispness cuts right through the richness. Additionally, its subtle oak, macadamia nut, and beeswax undertones harmonize perfectly with earthy truffle risottos or nutty, aged hard cheeses like Gruyère

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.