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.
critic reviews
The 2025 Chardonnay Vrede comes from vines planted in 2006 that Hannes Storm said are unpredictable in terms of yields. This is a little more backward and reductive on the nose compared to the Ridge Chardonnay; it gradually opens with light gunflint scents. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity, very harmonious, taut and fresh with more linearity on the finish. You could broach this now but I would prefer to let time do its thang.