DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chardonnay 2021
‘DeMorgenzon’ or ‘The Morning Sun’, was so named as it is the first part of the Stellenboschkloof Valley to see the sun each morning – due to its aspect and altitude.
The DeMorgenzon Reserve Chardonnay’s maiden vintage was 2013, and quickly began to gain immense recognition, scooping up both 5 stars and White Wine of the Year from Platters in 2015. It has continued to impress ever since.
On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of hot toasted brioche intertwined with zesty marmalade. The palate reveals a structured backbone of lime and lemongrass, complemented by delicate floral tones of honeysuckle and frangipani.
A warm, rich layer of vanilla leads to a creamy almond finish, adding depth and complexity to this vibrant and sophisticated wine.
£34.40
In stock
Stellenbosch
Chardonnay
Bone-drySweet
Description
DeMorgenzon’s Chardonnay vineyards benefit from cool morning sunlight and moderating sea breezes off nearby False Bay.
VINEYARDS
Vertical shoot positioned vineyards on weathered granite mid-slopes benefit form cool morning sunlight and moderating sea breezes off False Bay. Yields are typically low to moderate and grapes are very concentrated with good levels of natural acidity.
VINTAGE
A cold wet winter preceding the 2021 growing season resulted in delayed budburst and similarly delayed harvest. Flavour development peaked early resulting in full-flavoured, ripe styled Chardonnays with healthy levels of natural acidity this year.
VINIFICATION AND MATURATION
The grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. Juice was transferred to French oak barrels (25% new) with minimal settling, where fermentation occurred naturally. About 70% of the volume completed malolactic fermentation during an 10-month ageing on the gross lees. The wine was bottled with minimal stabilisation and clarified without filtration.
TASTING NOTES
The wine shines golden with green hues. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of hot toasted brioche intertwined with zesty marmalade. The palate reveals a structured backbone of lime and lemongrass, complemented by delicate floral tones of honeysuckle and frangipani. A warm, rich layer of vanilla leads to a creamy almond finish, adding depth and complexity to this vibrant and sophisticated wine.
WINE ANALYSIS
Cellar Master: Alistair Rimmer
Varietal blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Stellenbosch
Alcohol content: 13.3%
TA: 6.7 g/l
pH: 3.46
RS: 2.3 g/l
Additional information
| Grape | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol | 13.3% |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
- Poultry: Roast chicken, pan-roasted turkey, or creamy poultry dishes.
- Seafood: Grilled or pan-seared fish, lobster thermidor, and creamy seafood pasta.
- Vegetarian & Risotto: Butternut squash risotto, truffle risotto, or wild mushroom pasta.
- Cheeses: Soft and aged cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, or Gruyere
2 reviews for DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chardonnay 2021
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93 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2023
“One of those Chardonnays that’s a real pleasure to drink at different stages of its evolution, this is a toasty, full-flavoured style with peach, pear and orange zest flavours, a creamy mid palate and the underlying zip and freshness of the 2021. Typically self-assured stuff from DeMorgenzon. 2023-28”
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94 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2024
“With heady aromas of roast nut & citrus rind, subtle flavour richness , 2021 combines refinement of 2020 & showiness of 2019. Lemon curd with touches of oak spice, shaped & rounded by 10 months in barrel, 30% new.”
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