Wine Composition
100% Chardonnay
Winemakers Comments
A bright and vibrant olive-green hue on this single vineyard Chardonnay. The aromatics of this wine are driven by fresh peach pip, lime and a light touch of oak from barrel fermentation and aging. Our older vines still prove to produce lovely restrained, tightly structured wines that are rather perfumed when young, but develop beautifully during bottle maturation.
Awards
Tim Atkin | 93 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
12%
TA
6.5 g/l
pH
3.5
RS
2.4 g/l
Cellar Techniques
The grapes used to make this wine are sourced exclusively from a registered single vineyard on Waterford Estate. This vineyard was planted in 1988, making it one of the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in South Africa. It is comprised mostly of red clay, but also contains a large percentage of granite rocks; the clay provides moisture and coolness, while the granite provides minerality and structure to the wine.
Vintage
Another year of severe drought conditions. Low winter rainfall and odd warm days during winter. Once the season got going, moderate to cool and windless conditions were experienced, perfect for flowering and fruit set leading to high crop potentials. From November onwards, warm burg wind conditions were experienced throughout creating stressful ripening conditions. Positive results with early picking dates are lowers alcohol wines with ironically good freshness.
Winemaker
Name - Mark Le Roux
Winery
Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most
visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque
Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region, this
120-hectare property boasts ancient citrus groves, rolling lawns, water
features and, fragrant lavender beds. Within the shortest amount of time, the
Waterford Estate has made a renowned name for itself on the international wine
scene. With elegance and potential, the fruity and exquisite top wines cause a
stir and receive plenty of appreciation. For adventurers, the estate offers an
eventful two-hour wine safari through the vineyards. The spectacular view of
the Table Mountain, the Helderberg Mountain and the Stellenbosch Mountain round
off the trip. The Waterford Estate has its origins in
a very special partnership between two families that shared one dream: creating
a winery at which carefree joie de vivre, the beauty of nature and its fruits
are appreciated and celebrated. The architect Alex Walker designed and created
this South African winery that is situated in the middle of a citrus orchard
and surrounded by lavender and rosemary, creating a unique sensory experience.
The courtyard, in the center of the winery has a fountain surrounded large
plane trees. The sustainability practices of the Waterford Estate play a great
role in demonstrating the respect for nature and the environment. Only half of
the property is planted under vines and orchards, the remainder is dedicated to
the preservation and growth of the indigenous fynbos. Waterford Estate's farm
manager David and winemaker Mark Le Roux work hand in hand to ensure the
implementation of the best practices for the longevity of the land and its vines,
citrus and olive trees.
+1 888 812 2543