VINEYARDS
Circumstance Chardonnay is made from a small block which produces our best quality Chardonnay grapes on the low yielding and windswept slopes of the Schapenberg. Strong winds churn up the vineyards with regularity, which allows for low production and intense flavours. The vineyards are 5 kilometres from the sea, and are planted at a height of between 250 and 280 metres above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium size stones, helping with drainage, while retaining the ability to hold moisture. The vineyard is 14 years old and production was approximately 6 tons/ha. No irrigation was necessary.
THE 2007/08 GROWING SEASON
The winter provided much needed rain and cold weather, and was followed by a cool, wet spring. The regular rains during spring and the early parts of the summer led to higher than normal disease pressure. We had to increase our
spraying intervals in order to ensure that our vineyards stayed free from disease. Cloudy periods during flowering resulted in irregular set. Bunches were loose and the berries were small, which allowed for even veraison. The cool weather during spring followed through into the early parts of summer, and allowed us to pick the whites during cool conditions.
WINEMAKING
Harvest took place early in the morning to ensure that the grapes were still cool when they reached the cellar. Whole-bunch pressing allowed us to extract the juice in the most delicate way possible. After settling the juice for 24 hours, it was racked into 600 litre barrels. The fermentation was allowed to occur naturally. The wine was aged in the barrel on the primary lees for 10 months before bottling and spent a further 7 months in the bottle before release.
TASTING NOTES
Lime and rich oak flavours dominate on the nose. The palate is elegant with well integrated oak and great length and complexity on the finish. It will develop more complexity with age.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 13.5%
RS: 3.00
TA: 6.50g/l
pH: 3.16
VA: 0.38
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