Craven Wines Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2023 750ml

ABOUT Chardonnay is a grape Mick and Jeanine have always enjoyed drinking and it was only a matter of time before they decided to take the plunge and make a ‘Craven’ example. After looking around for a suitable vineyard, they decided to stay in the Polkadraai Hills for this. The small sub-region brings a real inherent saltiness and freshness to white wines. They reached out to local legend and 5th generation Stellenbosch vigneron Danie Carinus about purchasing from fruit from his coveted Bluegum Grove Vineyard. Danie gave the green light, and the rest is history. The grapes were immediately whole-bunch pressed to tank and left to let the really heavy stuff settle. The next day the juice was racked into neutral 500L barrels, still quite dirty to promote a healthy fermentation, and remained there to complete malolactic fermentation. Primary fermentation lasted about two months with ML finishing considerably ahead of the primary. The lees was stirred every so often to reduce reduction. After 7 months of élevage in the same barrels, the wine was racked and bottled with a light sheet filtration and a small dose of SO2. No fining. DATA Grapes: 100% Chardonnay Vineyard: Bluegum Grove Vineyard - farmed by Danie Carinus Vine Age: 20-years-old Soil Type: Granitic sand Viticulture: Practicing organic Fermentation: Native – neutral 500L French tonneau Skin Contact: None Aging: 7 months in neutral 500L French puncheons Alcohol: 11.95% pH: 3.29 Total Acidity: 6.04 g/L Total SO2: 50 ppm Total Production: 250 cases UPC: 6009803564676 TASTING NOTE The wine is pure Polkadraai, brimming with brininess and textured fruit. The region shines through more than the grape in many ways, yet it remains unmistakably Chardonnay—a fine one at that. Saline and vibrant, with notes of apple juice, Asian pear, and a squeeze of lime. The palate is addictive, layered with apple skin tannins and high-toned acidity. Fantastic tension, balancing savory depth with bright fruit. PRESS The WineMag | 93