AUWDAL01
£30.75
Free draining soils and steep slopes results in our Chardonnay vineyard producing low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. The Cave Block saw a relatively calm growing season, with warm and dry conditions from early October to mid-May. Infrequent rain events during this time gave the vines a welcome drink. Flowering occurred during the mild spring producing an above average crop which was allowed to ripen fully through the warm summer and autumn.
The fruit was meticulously picked by hand, before whole bunch pressing to a mix of new and older French oak barriques. Winemaking included a parcel of wild fermentation, light lees contact and partial malolactic fermentation to naturally adjust acidity for balance and structure.
Initial savoury notes lift to reveal peach, nectarine, nougat and roasted cashews. Stonefruit on the palate is beautifully contained within the framework of natural acidity that has a saline edge due to the coastal location of the vineyard. Fine French oak and lees contact adds further texture and length that persists with lingering freshness typical of the Cave Block terroir.
£31.05
Outstanding Sancerre from Bourgeois; intensely flavoured with a bone-dry finish.
£33.50
Super Champagne from one of the regions smaller, independent houses. This wine is meticulously well made and has a fresh and lively style with good depth of flavour and plenty of character.
45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
Yellow honey gold in colour with winey and full aromas. On the palate it gives white stone fruits bolstered by a fine acidity and a balance between creamy and bold. Altogether fresh, with a full-bodied consistency that holds together.
£45.80
£45.80
Citronella and lemongrass aromatics envelop more subtle primary fruit that include peach skin and naartjie peel. Then also hints of vanilla, baked apple, marzipan and honey. The palate possesses verve and savoury grip, with elements of crushed river pebble, rock salt and flint, but also a grainy, pithy textural element akin to walnut and hard pear. There is real weight and mouth-filling substance, even at 12,5% ABV with complexity gained from lees contact and completely integrated oak. Bone dry, savoury finish.