Sutherland Chardonnay Reserve 2016

94 points – Tim Atkin 2018 / 92 points - Vinous.com

This Chardonnay articulates the sense of place through the chalky minerality and subtle brioche notes. An intriguing grapefruit essence softens the oak elements, which leaves a lingering, refined acidity. Aged for 10 months in French oak.

Maturation

Potential to develop beautifully over the next 4 years.

Food Pairing

Forest mushroom risotto topped with truffle oil and parmesan.

Winemaker's Comments

All Vintages

2016

R350.00

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Tasting Notes

Viticultural Practices

Varietal	Chardonnay
Root stock	Richter 110
Soil type	Tukulu
Age of vines	Planted 2004
Plant density	2315 vines per ha
Trellising	7 wire Perold system, with movable foliage wires.
Yield	10 t/ha
Irrigation	Supplementary drip Vintage
Vintage	Moderate summer days with very little rain, resulting in ideal growing conditions for grapes.
Picking date	11 February 2016
Grape sugar	22.5 °B
Acidity	6.67 g/l
pH at harvest	3.36

Winemaking Practices

Yeasts	D522 (Lalvin M)
Fermentation temp	17 °C
Method	Barrel selection: 12 barrels were identified as exceptional. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in 228l French oak barrels. The wine spends 10 months on its gross fermentation lees, with the lees being stirred on a regular basis.