2020 Ava Marie Chardonnay
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Moving to biodynamic, they put a real emphasis on soil health. Single 2-ha vineyard, planted in 1999 at 260 m on granite and deep underlying clay, facing south-west. Clones 5 and 55. Spontaneous fermentation, all in 500-litre barrels. Owner-winemaker Craig Wessels aims for Old World burgundian style, apparently. Oxidatively made and lots of gas used when moving from barrel to barrel. Then aged in 10% new oak, 10% amphora, 10% tank and 70% old oak. Very distinctive nose. Great grip on the palate but quite muted – non showy but it should last very well (Dirk Niepoort apparently enjoyed the 2013 recently on a visit!). Very lively – long and throbbing. (JR)
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Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Altre recensioni e punteggi
More intense citrus on the nose than in the 2019, and a touch of spice. Pure and mouth-watering. Lots of tension and freshness and good length. Simpler than the 2019 or at least it seems so at the moment. (JH)
Winemaker Craig Wessels. Tiny winery. This spent 11 months in oak. Organic but not certified. Mealy and lightly toasty aroma but it's subtle, becoming a little more oaky-spicy as it opens up. Nicely judged oak with a very slight grip in the texture and plenty of freshness. Smart wine, not over made. (JH)
The 2020 Chardonnay Ava Marie is whole bunch pressed, the juice oxidized and settled, followed by a spontaneous barrel ferment with 10 to 12 months sur lie . Lucid green/gold in hue in the glass. This has an attractive bouquet with a very subtle reduction, the 10% new oak discrete in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp line of acidity, quite taut and linear, hints of orange rind and plenty of salinity on the finish. Excellent.