Paul Wallace, Reflection Chardonnay 2023

Description

Winemaker’s Notes

The name “Reflection” is derived from the magnificent early morning and evening reflection of the Paul Wallace Chardonnay vineyard in the dam at the bottom of the sloping Chardonnay vineyard.

The 2023 Paul Wallace Reflection Chardonnay is their seventh vintage of Chardonnay. This small production of 1956 litres/2650 bottles is the fourth to be produced from their very own Chardonnay vineyard (Clone CY95). This vineyard of 0.85 hectares planted on Bokkeveld shale soils, faces due south and overlooks the dam between the base of the hill and Wallace’s home.

The Chardonnay was hand-picked into lug boxes. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and the juice taken to Burgundian oak barrels where it underwent fermentation. There is a 33% new oak contribution and a mixture of 500L and 300L barrels were used for maturation. Malolactic fermentation was limited to 20%. After 10 months in wood, the barrels were blended and the wine bottled on 5th February 2023.

The Reflection Chardonnay leads with prominent notes of lemon and lime when young, evolving into passion fruit with some brioche and exhibits impressive weight, concentration and length.  A fruit-forward entry onto the palate where citrus notes and a delicate oaky sweetness combine with the underlying minerality, to produce a wine with good length, breadth and mouthfeel.  This Chardonnay reflects purity of fruit, a natural elegance and texture prevalent in Chardonnays from the Elgin Valley.

A rewarding wine that will compliment most seafood dishes, fresh oysters, poultry or even a heavenly piece of gorgonzola cheese. Best served slightly chilled.

Additional information

A wine that will compliment most seafood dishes, fresh oysters, poultry or even a heavenly piece of gorgonzola cheese.