2023 Julien Schaal Evidence Chardonnay

The Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay is often called the elegant 'French' star wine - it has received numerous rave reviews, and with good reason, as few can match a wine of this quality at this price.

Julie Schaal's Evidence Chardonnay is a wine born from a passion for the Elgin region: with this cuvée, they strive to express what we most admire about Elgin Chardonnay. Here, they allow the natural winemaking process and only very gentle oak aging to create a wine truly true to its terroir. The vines here are likely the oldest (hence the name Evidence) in the appellation and yield fine, concentrated grapes. Elgin, the Cape's "coolest" climate, helps maintain a fine natural acidity. The soil is a very stony red clay. The gentle, north-facing slope of the vineyard promotes a long and even ripening process. This region boasts a unique climate and topography, consisting of a high-altitude basin plateau surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges. The grapes are hand-harvested during the coolest part of the day. After a gentle pressing and settling, the juice is transferred to 300-liter barrels. The long fermentation allows the wine to fully express its potential. The wine is then aged in oak for at least 12 months.

The Evidence Chardonnay is a full-bodied, Burgundian, "French" premium wine from Elgin. In the glass, it has a pale lemon color with a copper hue. The nose reveals aromas of citrus, green and yellow apple, hints of white herbs, citrus blossom, and toasted almonds. Medium-bodied and very elegant, it boasts energetic acidity with aromas of fresh lemon oil and lime zest, concluding with a long, mineral finish. Only 3,500 bottles will be filled after 12 months in one-third new French oak.