Crystallum 'Clay Shales' Chardonnay 2025
Hemel-en-Aarde
South Africa, South Africa
Arriving: In Stock
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| Style: White | Packaging: OCC |
| ABV: 13.0% | Closure: Cork |
| Organic: No | Drink from: 2026 |
| Biodynamic: No | Drink to: |
| Grapes: 100% Chardonnay | |
PRODUCER'S NOTES
Clay Shales Chardonnay is sourced from a single vineyard on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a site ideally positioned at high altitude, close to the cooling influence of the ocean and sheltered within a mountain shadow. The wine takes its name from the Bokkeveld shale and clay soils on which the vineyard is planted. Together, these soils provide the foundation for a Chardonnay of remarkable balance, precision and complexity, capable of rivaling some of the world's finest examples.
Latest Release (2025)
Displaying all the layers and complexity of the highly acclaimed 2024, with even greater concentration, precision and focus. Aromas of quince, lychee and lemon rind lead into a lavish and expressive palate, revealing notes of lime curd, banoffee pie, Golden Delicious apple and loquat. A striking wet stone minerality provides tension and energy throughout, while the finish unfolds in persistent layers of flavour. A wine with the structure and balance to develop beautifully beyond 2035.
Vinification
The fruit was whole-bunch pressed, with no enzymes, sulphur dioxide or commercial yeasts added at pressing. Following an overnight settling, the juice was transferred to a 2,600-litre foudre, where fermentation and maturation took place over a period of 10 months, allowing the wine to develop texture, complexity and vineyard expression.