2014 Paul Cluver Chardonnay South Africa

~~100 % Chardonnay

Currently there are 15.32 hectares planted to Chardonnay on the estate, which equates to

18.7% of the total plantings. Clones include 175, 270, 95 and 548. The first vines were planted in 1987 and the youngest blocks in 2004. Vines range in age from 8 to 26 years. The soil is predominantly decomposed Bokkeveld Shale with under lying clay layers of varying depths.

Vine orientation is East/West on the South east facing slopes and North/South on the South-

South West facing slopes. Height above sea level ranges from 280 to 350 meters.

Harvest report : Generally a very healthy crop resulting from a very cool vintage. Harvesting started 20th

February and continued until 27th of March. Average yield was 6.6 tons per hectare and grapes came in at 21.8° - 23.8° Brix at an average temperature of 15? Celsius. In 2014 we started picking at night resulting in the grapes arriving cool and fresh at the cellar.

Winemaking: This wine was 100% wild fermented in a selection of

French oak barrels. (20% new, the rest 2nd;3rd and 4thfill.) Lees stirring was done to a much lesser degree than previous years to retain freshness. The wine remained on the lees fora total of nine months without any Sulphur addition. Only 15% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, all without inoculation, further ensuring freshness and acidity. After tasting and blending trials, the wine was assembled from the best barrels, stabilized andprepared for bottling.

Tasting notes: Lots of buttered toast / brioche on the nose with some citrus aspects too. Tangerine fruit and citrus blossom fragrances are apparent, with hints of vanilla pod and almond flakes. These characteristics follow through onto the palate. The fine, fresh acidity is natural, and adds poise and focus to the wine.

Food pairing: Fish, poultry, pork and game bird dishes work well with this wine. It works particularly well with creamy pastas and salmon dishes. The good acidity and balance between wood and fruit keeps the wine from being overly rich and consequently great without food too. Mussel soup is a perfect match.