3½ stars John Platter Wine Guide 2007
Starting with its beautiful lime-tinged colour, the overall character of this wine is citrus based, a lemon-preserve perfume and flavour, nuanced by a tantalizing whiff of lavender. The oaking is subtle and well-judged, from French barriques fermentation and long lees contact, to place the fruit centre stage. The resulting buttered melba-toast effect adds a silky texture to the delicious crispy drinkability.
variety : Chardonnay [ 100% Chardonnay ]
winemaker : Chris Joubert
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 13.5 % vol rs : 1.98 g/l pH : 3.7 ta : 6.7 g/l
type : White wooded
pack : Bottle closure : Cork
in the vineyard : Overgaauw was one of the first SA Chardonnay producers in the mid 1980’s, with vines planted in 1983 and first bottled in 1986.
Viticulture:
Vineyard location: Stellenbosch Kloof 150m above sea level, S- facing, 15km from False Bay
Moderate Climate: Winter ave temp: 13ºC (min 7ºC, max 17ºC) / Summer ave temp: 15.5ºC (min 20.5º, max 30.5ºC)
Soil Type: Deep Hutton and Clovelly (decomposed Granite)
Age of vines: 17 years
Trellising: 4-wire hedge system with moveable wires
Pruning: Cordon system with 2 bud spurs, ensuring low yield