Holden Manz Chardonnay Reserve 2018

Grapes for the Holden Manz Chardonnay Reserve 2018 were harvested in two separate pickings from Somerset West. Following harvesting, the berries were cooled to 5°C prior to a whole bunch press using the Champagne press cycle. After clarifying overnight, pressed juice was transferred to 225-litre French oak barrels (90% new barrels, 10% 2nd-fill) for fermentation. 100% barrel fermented using natural yeast with extended lees contact and daily batonnage. Less than 20% of this wine underwent malolactic fermentation. A total of 1,302 bottles were produced. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Vanilla, lemon zest, pistachios, lime blossom.

Palate: Extended lees contact adds a creaminess and complexity, presenting an appealing length of palate. Full mouth feel, crisp clean acidity highlighting ripe grapefruit and limes.

Finish: Elegant flavours of Cape gooseberry, white peach and elderflower interwoven with complex acidity provide a long, smooth finish.

Located in the top, southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley, the Holden Manz wine estate is named after owners Gerard Holden and Migo Mans who first arrived in South Africa in the 1990s. Winemaker Thierry Haberer grew up in Corsica, completing his studies at the University of Bordeaux in 2004. His experience includes working as a freelance winemaker at Anthonij Rupert Cellar (South Africa), Rudd Estate (USA) and Katarzyna Estate (Bulgaria). In 2008 he joined forces with one of France’s best-known wine consultants, Michel Rolland before moving to South Africa a few years later.