2024 - Crystallum, Agnes Chardonnay

The Crystallum 2024 The Agnes Chardonnay blends fruit from seven vineyards, six along the cool Cape South Coast and one inland on the Ceres Plateau, including parcels from the estate’s own nine hectares. Vines range from seven to 22 years old. Wild fermented and matured primarily in 500- or 600-liter Austrian Stockinger foudres, the wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, building creaminess and texture. Stone fruit and layered volume define the palate while maintaining freshness. Named for Peter-Allan Finlayson’s great-grandmother, The Agnes pays homage to a woman who fell in love with South Africa after being sent here as an au pair from London. Production is 25,000 bottles.

The 2024 The Agnes is whole bunch pressed and aged for ten months with no new oak. Slightly deeper in colour than other cuvées, it has a perfumed nose with yellow plum and light jasmine scents and a hint of orange pith in the background. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture. Quite Swartland in style, though it comes from Overberg, Hemel-en-Aarde and Ceres sourced fruit. Drink over the next 4-5 years.