Estate Chardonnay

Pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna, etc.), vegetarian, poultry, cheese and savoury pastries.

The 2020 vintage saw a further drop in temperature as the rainfall continues to return to normal levels. This vintage’s conditions are reminiscent of that of 2014, with decent rainfall across the Winelands giving the vines the opportunity to grow a healthy crop size while the cooler temperatures allowed for a long hang time for the grapes leading to fully ripened phenolics and tannins. This vintage is known for great structure and elegance with the ability to age gracefully for many years. The Chardonay single vineyard was planted on Waterford Estate in 1988. This is the only white varietal planted on the estate, and is planted on the coolest sight on the farm on very well suited red clay and granite soil.

Fermented and aged in 300L, lightly toasted French oak barrels, 15% new oak, for 11 months.

The bunches are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed in the cellar. This single vineyard requires approximately 8 different pickings to complete the block. The juice is settled overnight. The clear juice is then racked into 300L French oak barrels for fermentation. After four months, the individual batches are evaluated and blended together before undergoing an additional seven months of ageing.

Waterford Estate is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the rolling slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the well-known Stellenbosch region. Waterford Estate prides themselves in making Fine Wine from carefully selected grapes. Winemaker, Mark Le Roux and viticulturist, David van Schalkwyk both believe a Fine Wine displays the character of its cultivar and a true sense of place. A Fine Wine should reflect the length on the palate, has a complexity of flavours, internal harmony between aromatics and the palate, and balance between its essential components.