Lothian of Elgin Chardonnay 2022
Orange blossom, light oak spices and aromas of nutmeg open the bouquet, following onto a plentiful palate with crisp, clean acidity and notes of yellow apples and apricots with a textural richness.
The Chardonnay vines at Lothian were planted in 2005 to clones 76, 95, 96 and 548. The vines are planted on soils of Table Mountain sandstone and weathered Bokkeveld shale. The grapes were harvested by hand.
The Chardonnay grapes were whole-bunch pressed, then settled in a stainless steel tank for one day, before being transferred to barrel for fermentation with ambient yeasts. The wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. Maturation in Burgundian 228-litre barrels followed for eleven months. The barrels were selected from a mixture of cooperages, including Francois Frere, Chassin, Vicard, Louis Latour, Tremeaux and Bossuet.
| RRP | £31.75 |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13.5% |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Cape South Coast |
| Subregion | Elgin |
| Grapes | Chardonnay 100% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 2.4 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Diam |
Lothian Estate, situated in the mountainous realm of the cool Elgin Valley, was previously a flowering protea farm that had been maintained more for its bountiful fishing and unspoilt beauty, than for the proteas. Today, the estate is run by Gavin and Ewen Wilson, who hail from three generations of Cape winemakers, having grown up on their grandmother's Rust-en-Vrede vineyard in the 1950's and 60's. It is not difficult to see why the family decided to make this place their home, as with its thick morning mist, rolling greenery and waterways framed by towering peaks, one might mistake Elgin for Scotland, where they are originally from. With its sights now firmly set on crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with finesse and elegance that reflects the unique landscape of the region, Lothian works closely with renowned winemaker and Master of Wine Richard Kershaw to produce these impressive single vineyard wines.
