in the vineyard : 95% Elgin Clone CY 95, 96 and 5% Elgin Clone CY 277.
Elgin Smarag CY 277 – The Bone Structure: This is just the most beautiful vineyard. Planted in a valley very close to a dam in “koffieklip” (coffee stone) with high clay content, it has very cold evenings and more humid days for Elgin. Highly exposed to wind and with medium vigour it fits perfectly for this clone. I use CY 277 (MCC clone) which is mostly used in SA for MCC, specifically for Chardonnay for its high acidity and perfumed profile. The block is not irrigated and so vines are in survival mode all the time bringing us closer to that mineral core that we are searching for. This block is planted 2.4m x 1.2m and is in a VSP system.
Eikendal – The Marriage between Granite and Bush Vine: These blocks are planted way up the Helderberg Mountain and are on the highest point of Eikendal overlooking False Bay. It is a combination of bush vines, bush vine/post with no trellised vineyards used. Spur pruned. Yield 1 kg/vine. Plant density is between 5,000 to 7,500 vines/ha. Planted east/west.
Vines only receive post-harvest irrigation. It is planted in decomposed granite with gravel and white clay +/- 60-80cm deep. Fully exposed to the south-easterly winds and receive cool air from False Bay. This is the perfect area for growing Chardonnay. The approach to growing these vines always keeps them in survival mode. These vines undergo harsh treatment and left to their own devices, surviving day today. There are no big flavours or big tannins but rather pure granite in a bush vine bunch. The perfect marriage.