TASTING NOTES
The nose and palate show hints of tropical fruit and a generous touch of spice. Luscious peach and guava flavours add to the fruitiness of this elegant wine.
IN THE VINEYARD
At Middelvlei, 21 ha are devoted to Chardonnay and grapes from only 5 ha were used to make the 2003 Chardonnay. The vines, grafted onto Richter 99 rootstock, were planted in 1994. The vineyards face west and are situated at an altitude of 160 m above sea level. The conditions for the healthy growth and ripening of the grapes during the growing season (September – December) were ideal. The rainfall during the winter before the vintage, as well as the growing season, was average. The annual rainfall was 727mm for the2002 / 2003 season compared to the long-term annual rainfall of 700mm.
THE HARVEST
The grapes were harvested on 22 February 2003 at an average sugar level of 23 °Balling. They were handpicked and placed in small baskets to prevent bruising.
IN THE CELLAR
In the cellar the juice received 30 minutes skin contact. Thirty percent of the wine was fermented in oak and the remaining 70% percent was tank fermented.
The wine was bottled in April 2003.
BLEND INFORMATION
100% Chardonnay
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