Lanzerac Mrs English Chardonnay 2016 Tasting Notes

Appellation:
Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch

Viticulture:
The Chardonnay grapes for the Mrs. English come from a 0.78 hectare single vineyard, 375 meters above sea level. In 2016 the age of the vines was 21 years and the crop yield was 10,76tons/ha. All harvesting and pruning is done by hand so there is no damage to the grapes.

Harvest Date:
Beginning February 2016.

Vinification:
Whole bunches of grapes are picked at 22,5° - 23° balling and crushed without prior destemming to ensure a prominent fruit character and a well-rounded wine. After pressing, the juice is settled in stainless-steel tanks for 48 hours at 12-14°C before the clear juice is racked into French oak barrels. Each barrel is inoculated with a different yeast strain. A third of the wine
is fermented with natural yeast which ensures a ‘softer’ wine with complexity. The barrels used for the Chardonnay are 50% new and 50% second fill. After fermentation the wine is sulphured and left to mature in the barrels with weekly batonnage for 11 months.

Cellarmasters comments:
Subtle and elegant with a steely core, this wine perfectly mirrors its illustrious namesake in every way. The wine portrays freshness and perfume to the concentrated flavours of grapefruit, marmalade, and soft vanilla undertones. Careful oaking and extended lees contact have added texture and richness leaving the wine seamless, subtle and satisfying.

Cellering potential:
Drink now to 2026.

Food suggestions:
Partner it with indulgent foods such as lobster or fresh crab for a decadent feast. The Mrs. English can also be enjoyed with sea bass topped with a fennel puree or foie gras.

Analysis:
Alcohol 13.5%
Total Acidity 6.1g/l
Residual Sugar 3.5g/l
pH3.46