According to winemag.co.za, this ultra-premium Chardonnay is a joint venture between Barbara Bank, of Jackson Family Wines, and Anthony Beck of Graham Beck Wines and was launched in 2014.
The 2013 Capensis is 100% Chardonnay (primarily clone 95) sourced from three different regions:
- Fynbosch Vineyard Region
- 1,719 feet elevation
- Steep slopes
- Clay soils
- 60% of grapes used in the wine
- Kaainansgal Vineyard Region
- 2,484 feet elevation
- 20% of grapes
- East Bruwer Vineyard Region
- Limestone soils
- 20% of grapes.
The bottle we tasted last night had been decanted 40 minutes prior to the start of the tasting. In the glass it had a golden color, a testament to its oak treatment. The initial impresion was of burnt matches, vanilla, toasted oak, and smoke. After a while notes of honey dew and herbs caught the attention. On the palate smoke, coal, and a lemomy-lime acidity. Weighty. The 14.1% alcohol adds to a richness on the palate but also produces a slight burn. Lengthy finish.
Trey Christy of Spire Collection characterized this wine (I paraphrase) as a wine of promise rather than one at its destination. And I agree. This is a high-quality Chardonnay from the Chassagne-Montrachet school, more rich than mineral with the oak needing to recede further so that the underlying character of the wine can truly shine through. I bought 1/2 case of this wine at the $70 offer price.
©Wine -- Mise en abyme
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