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: 2018 Crystallum "Clay Shales Vineyard" Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde

2018 Crystallum "Clay Shales Vineyard" Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde

SKU #1498312 94 points Vinous

Outer quote mark The 2018 Clay Shales Chardonnay comes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, whole-bunch-pressed without enzymes or SO2 and matured for 10 months in 2,600-liter foudres. It is blessed with a very detailed, Chablis-like bouquet displaying hints of linseed oil and hazelnut. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a fine bead of acidity; the citrus fruit is softened by lovely orange peel and tangerine notes. The finish hints at almond and marzipan. A fabulous Chardonnay from winemaker Peter-Allen Finlayson. (NM) Inner quote mark (11/2019)

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2018 Crystallum "Clay Shales Vineyard" Chardonnay Hemel-en-Aarde

Price: $39.99

Quantity:

VN: 94

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Varietal:

Chardonnay

- It's hard to believe that up until about 30 years ago, this extremely popular varietal hid behind the veil of geographical names like Chablis and Puligny-Montrachet. Now grown all over the world and bottled by its varietal name, Chardonnay has achieved a level of branding unlike any other wine. Surprisingly, though, what you get when you buy Chardonnay can differ greatly from country to country and even within one country, depending on the climate where it's grown and how it is vinified and aged. From fresh, crisp and minerally with apple and lemon notes to rich and buttery with tropical fruit overtones, Chardonnay runs the gamut. In France's Burgundy, Chardonnay is the source of the prized wines of Chablis, Corton-Charlemagne, Mâcon, Meursault and Montrachet. It also the foundation of exceptional Champagne, where it is blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier or vinified on its own into Blanc de Blancs. It is also extremely popular in California, and is gaining popularity in Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain and South Africa.

Country:

South Africa

- Now that it has adopted a multi-racial attitude, and now that the world has embraced its government and its exports, South Africa has become a major wine producer. Unfortunately, South Africa has had a difficult time joining the ranks of competitive winemaking countries. During the anti-apartheid sanctions in the 1980s, South African wine was dealt the huge blow when it was removed from the international market, and for political reasons it was quite difficult for wine producers to market wine to the black majority. Things are finally looking up for the wine industry here, and quality has never been higher. South Africa produces a grape cloned from Pinot Noir and Cinsault, called Pinotage, which is the country's unique varietal. Chenin Blanc (known as Steen) makes up one-third of its vines. Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz are becoming increasingly popular as are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Alcohol Content (%):

13.8