Winemaking:
  

Analysis:

 
Winemaking and Tasting Notes:
   
The 2019 Paul Wallace Reflection Chardonnay is our third vintage of Chardonnay. This small production of 10 barrels / 2826 bottles has been vinified from a parcel of Chardonnay grapes (Clone CY95) procured from a neighbouring farm. Whilst we have planted 1 hectare of our own Chardonnay grapes on Wallovale Vineyards, these will only come into production from the 2020 harvest. The name “Reflection” is derived from the magnificent early morning and evening reflection of our Chardonnay vineyard in the dam at the bottom of the sloping Chardonnay vineyard.

Our Chardonnay was vinified by Nico Grobler and Maryke Botha in the Eikendal cellar. The grapes were whole bunch pressed, and taken to barrel where spontaneous fermentation took place in French oak sourced from Burgundian coopers. There is a 20% new wood component and malolactic fermentation was pinned at 50%. After 11 months in wood, the barrels were blended and kept in tank until lockdown regulations allowed the wine to be bottled on 20th May 2020.

The Reflection Chardonnay leads with prominent notes of lemons and limes with a touch of oatmeal on the nose. A fruit-forward entry onto the palate where citrus notes and a delicate oaky sweetness (think of lemon cream biscuits) combine with an underlying minerality to produce a wine with good breadth, length 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.
 

Awards:
     
• Nominated for Platter 5*
• National Wine Challenge 2020 – Double Gold
• Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Double Gold
• IWSC 2020 – 90 Points, Silver Medal