Storm Wines, Vrede Chardonnay 750ml 2018

Vrede hails from a northeast facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils.

This native yeast fermented wine shows great balance and length. Crisp citrus fruit, spice and white pear aromas with a dry mineral finish – characteristic of the site’s low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils.

Viticulture:
The 2017 harvest again started earlier than our long-time average. A warm December, a cool January and a warmer February - coupled with cool nights - were beneficial during the ripening stages. These conditions afforded good colour and flavour development while preserving acidity. Vrede Chardonnay was picked on 21st February, while the second half followed on 10th March. 2017 - Vibrant, citrus and white pear aromas, minerality and length.

The current vintage has yet to be tasted, the tasting notes below are from the previous vintage:
'Acid levels where high in 2017 - partly because of diurnal variation - so Hannes Storm put this through 80% malolactic. Naturally fermented, it’s a focused, subtle, toasty Chardonnay with good viscosity and noticeable freshness and zip. 2019-23' – Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2018, 96/100