LourensfordCase of Chardonnay 2016 (R66.50 per Bottle, 6 Bottles)

About

Fresh lime and orange blossom flavours dominate the nose with hints of melon and pineapple, complemented by toffee and buttery undertones. An explosion of ripe tropical fruit flavours on the pallet. The natural fermentation gives it a layered fruit dimension that ends in a lusciously juicy finish that is very well integrated and balanced with a bright acidity supported by the subtle use of wood.

Product Features

• 6 Bottles
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2016
• Wine of origin: Western Cape
• Technical Analysis:
• Alcohol : 14.5 %
• pH : 3.55
• RS : 3.1 g/l
• Total Acid : 6.1 g/l

Harvest

It was the driest year in 100 years of recorded history as we only received half of the normal average rainfall. This was followed by one of the hottest summers in history. The budding started one week earlier and we did not have severe South Easter winds. This result in very good budding and flowering of the vines. The drought and high summer. The drought and high summer temperatures resulted in much faster ripening and the earliest recorded harvest rates in the history of Lourensford. The vines were generally very healthy and in good balance and harmony. The berries were smaller and more concentrated This resulted in refined wines with elegance and slightly lower than normal alcohols compared to other harvests.

The harvest dates were 5th February – 20th February 2016.

Food Pairing

This wine can stand up to rich foods such as pastas, poultry and fish with creamy sauces. It will complement mild Indian curries or other coconutty curries as well as salmon or smoked haddock. It will also go with egg-based dishes like quiches or souffles. Creamy, fatty cheeses like Brie and Camembert but also some of the harder cow’s milk cheeses will be great with this wine.

Serve this wine between 12-14 C for the best results

Maturation Potential

This vintage can be enjoyed up to 2020 but will reach its best drinking potential towards the end of 2017 and possibly only peak towards the end of 2018.

Wine Information

Cultivar: 100% Chardonnay

Wood: 37 % of the blend spent 9 months in French oak 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels. 50.0 % of the wood component (17% of the total blend) was fermented wild and without the addition of yeast in the barrels and the other 50 % (20 % of the total blend) started its fermentation in stainless steel tank and was transferred to barrels halfway during fermentation. After the completion of the fermentation, it was blended back with the unwooded tank components.