Unoaked Chardonnay

Very individual, the character of this wine makes it a perfect companion to warm summer days and long balmy evenings.

A blend of Chardonnay from two complementary locations. The first, smallest component, comes from Ocean-facing Helderberg vineyards; the second from the Robertson Valley. Each vineyard contributes a complementary and entirely different facet to the eventual blend. The fruit from Stellenbosch has more depth, weight and fruit concentration while the Robertson grapes are grown on limestone soils, which inject a citrus zing, freshness and minerality into the wine. The 2019 harvest season was really challenging, the effects of the preceding 3-year drought in the Western Cape are still evident and have resulted in smaller than usual crop levels.

Separate parcels were picked individually at varying degrees of ripeness in order to build good complexity of acidity, fruit, depth and minerality. The grapes were vinified with minimum skin contact, using free run juice only. Cool fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, one part with wild natural yeast, the other with neutral yeast (favouring fruit enhancement). No oaking took place at all. The juice was kept in tank on its lees for 5 months, with occasional battonnage. The components were then blended relatively early to ensure integration and stability of individual varietal freshness. The focus is always on fruit retention, natural amplification of flavours and texture through maturation on primary lees. The natural minerality and acidity gives this wine the lovely refreshing character for which it has become known.

The Radford Dale Philosophy brings together the natural qualities of the geology & climate of the Cape of Good Hope with the experience & passion of a team of friends from the Old World & the New. Together they make some of the finest rarest & most individual wines of this incredible region.