| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
Hannes Storm’s brilliant Ridge Chardonnay uses grapes from an 18-year-old parcel that was planted with a highly unusual 8,000 plants per hectare on Bokkeveld shale soils. Subtly wooded in 29% new oak and some clay amphoras, this has the elegance and restraint of a cool site, with some texture from full malolactic, a pithy, mineral-etched core and flavours of citrus, aniseed and vanilla spice. 2027-35
Always the more restrained of the two Chardonnays, Ridge is much stonier on the nose with salted lemon rind, labneh and toasted almond flakes with bracing sea spray fresh acidity and drive. This needs a good swirl but opens beautifully with masses of dry extract, pumice and an intriguing smoky top note. Extremely persistent, long and nervy. There’s no lack of potential here yet this would benefit from a year or so in bottle before opening – drink the Vrede whilst you wait for this to mature.
Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels. Lemon, orchard blossom and oatmeal on the nose. Compact and dense on the palate with driving acidity and an extraordinarily long finish. Seamless and precise. Alc: 13.15%.
