La Vierge 2022 Apogée Chardonnay

La Vierge Apogee Chardonnay 2022 is the best from La Vierge and perhaps from all of South Africa. The English wine guru Tim Atkin says the wine has the same focus and intensity as Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru - widely considered to be among the world's best white wines. You probably can't get a better review from one of the greatest authorities in the field. It also currently has a 4.3 rating on Vivino. 

The wine shows clear lines of minerality, citrus, and yellow floral notes on the nose. This is supported by the creamy almond and white chocolate aromas derived from oak. The wine has a full, textured palate, showcasing the delicate strength that Chardonnay possesses. It has a balanced richness, finishing with a clean, mineral undertone that lingers on the palate.

This wine comes from the low-yielding vineyards on La Vierge's Babylon farm in Hemel-en-Aarde in Walker Bay, located close to the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate is more "temperate" in style, where parallel mountain ranges guide the southern sea breezes through the wine region in the summer. These winds, in turn, bring regular sea fogs and cloudy conditions to the valley, and therefore more consistent temperatures. The average temperature is 19° C, and rainfall is approximately 750mm per year.

All grapes were hand-harvested in cool early morning temperatures. The specific vineyard consists of clone 96, which highlights the steely, mineral characteristics of the terroir. The highest-lying Chardonnay block on the farm is used, allowing for slow ripening and enhancing the prominence of the citrus and floral expression.

The grapes were crushed and pressed and allowed to settle with the help of pectolytic enzymes. The clear must was transferred after 24 hours and fermented in 500L French oak barrels (30% new). Sulphur was added to the wine at the end of alcoholic fermentation to inhibit MLF. This was done to preserve the freshness and naturally vibrant acidity of the wine. The wine was left on coarse lees, and sporadic stirring (batonage) was performed for 6 months. The total time in barrel was 14 months. The wine was then stabilized and clarified through filtration.

Grapes of clone 96 from the very highest vineyards in Hemel en Aarde. Matured in new barrels for only 10 months. La Vierge Apogee Chardonnay 2018 is a truly lovely wine that will develop over the next 3-5 years. 13% - 75 cl.