Chardonnay, Ridge, Hemel en Aarde, 2025

Paler than the Vrede in pure lifted style; slender and very fine with lemony crisp acids, vital and less white fruited in 2025, more citrus-driven with fine lees, smoke and nuts. A beautiful Chardonnay with a coastal impression. Ridge Chardonnay comes from a high-density vineyard on a cool, eastern slope on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Ageing took place in French barrique 25% new and 10-15% in clay amphora, over 11 months. Since 2022, under agglomerate cork.