Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2025

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2025 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay – område: Stellenbosch; 100% Chardonnay; alkohol 13.5%; fadlagring 8 måneder, 25% nye fade. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: Rustenberg is a well-known producer of high-quality Chardonnays, and the Stellenbosch Chardonnay embodies our house style. Careful tending and selection in the vineyard followed by traditional wild barrel fermentation and maturation produces a classic Chardonnay balancing the expression of fruit, freshness, full malolactic fermentation and the influence of oak. Vintage: Vintage The Winter of 2024 arrived later than usual, with the record rainfall and cold temperatures experienced in July allowing for the vineyards to transition into dormancy. This later than usual onset of dormancy resulted in late budding for many grape varieties. Budding and berry set were even, and the cooler, moderate and dry growing season set the scene for the vintage. There was a brief heat spike at the end of December, however, January was cool and dry with big day/night temperature changes, resulting in excellent acidity and freshness being a hallmark of the vintage. February and March were near perfect for ripening, being warm and dry with little disease pressure and no heat wave conditions to stress the vineyards at this crucial time. The result of these conditions was a remarkable, cellar-worthy vintage. The reds are some of the best seen since 2015 with excellent concentration, depth of colour and structure. The whites have wonderful flavour development, fruit intensity and freshness.