Destination Chardonnay

Pork, Vegetarian, Poultry, Rich fish (salmon, tuna etc)

The grapes were handpicked from an excellent pocket of Chardonnay vines, with the Block identified each year by vineyard drone footage. Fertile soils create deep root systems and large canopies of foliage, which means the grapes can hang for longer and develop complex characteristics. Alternative sides of the trellis were picked two weeks apart. The side that received the morning sun side contributes the fresh citrus notes to the wine, while the afternoon sun side imparts a riper character. The vineyards are situated 200m above sea level, and just 7km from the ocean, with soil types of Tukulu and Oakleaf.

Following a mix of whole bunch and destemmed pressing, only free run juice was used, and clarified through flotation settling. The Destination was made with a minimal intervention approach in a combination of 300L and 225L (15% new) French oak barrels at temperatures ranging between 16-19˚Celcius. Following partial malolactic fermentation, the wine was left on the fine lees with frequent stirring for 10 months, imparting mouthfeel and aiding in the wine’s natural preservation during barrel maturation. Only the best barrels were selected for each vintage of the Destination Chardonnay.

Journey’s End is a Stellenbosch wine estate owned by the Gabb family, who have developed the property and its vineyards since 1995. With a focus on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and other classic varieties, the estate produces site-driven South African wines shaped by its elevated vineyards and Stellenbosch terroir.