Nico Groblier of La Brune is known for making world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Elgin Valley in the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Elgin is located 40 miles southeast of Cape Town and just 8 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, helping to bring cooling winds and early-morning mists. Primarily known for growing apples, Elgin has a cooler climate and produces some of the country’s best Burgundian-style wines. This Chardonnay comes from La Brune’s high density estate vineyard planted on Table Mountain sandstone soils. The 2024 vintage was one where power met elegance. There was high sunlight intensity in January with three heatwaves which increased power, richness, and texture in the grapes. Still, this wine speaks of its cool climate origins with high acidity, tightness, and length at its mineral core.
The grapes were hand harvested and brought back to the cellar for spontaneous fermentation. The grapes were pressed straight to 228L Burgundian oak barrels (25% new, 75% 2nd and 3rd fill) where they remained for 9 months. The barrels were blended in tank and bottled with just a coarse filtration and dosage of sulfur. No fining.