Chardonnay, Vrede, Hemel en Aarde, 2025

The more sumptuous of the two whites as always but full of tight wiry acidity and fresh stone and citrus fruits; a wine of grip and poise – stylish and more finessed than ever, finishing dry. Vrede Chardonnay – or “Peace” Chardonnay – hails from a northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Ageing took place in French barrique 30% new over 11 months. Since 2022, under agglomerate cork.