2022 'White Lady' Chardonnay, Warwick Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa

White Lady Chardonnay is a limited availability wine from Warwick’s Estate vineyard Block 18 and the Helderberg Vineyards. Aromas of flowers, minerals and stones, white nectarine and poached pear on the nose. Silky yet austere with a round yet clean and long lemon flavoured finish.

Lime, citrus and peach jump out initially, followed by a hint of roasted almonds and vanilla pod. The palate is rich and textured and broadens as the wine opens. Notes of lemon and lime, peaches, and baked apples. This leads in to a long and lingering mineral aftertaste.

Specifically, selected Stellenbosch sites, two on the Helderberg, that add more freshness and acidity and one form Warwick on a warmer West facing slope of the Simonsberg, adding textural and structural elements to the wine. All three vineyards are picked separately at different ripeness levels to add complexity. Whole bunch pressed and juice allowed to clear naturally before transferred to 228L Burgundian French oak barrels, for fermentation. 30% new oak, 30% second fill, 30% third fill and the balance neutral oak. Barrels are rolled once a month for nine months before a tight selection process and blending early in 2020. Light filtration before bottling in February 2020.