2019 JH Meyer Palmiet Chardonnay, Elgin, South Africa

A hint of reduction before citrus and baked apple notes emerge with a touch of oatmeal & smoked hay. The palate shows pure fruit and zingy acidity before a pithy finish. There is so much going on with this wine!

Elgin is one of the naturally coolest vineyard locations in South Africa. Its altitude (1,650 – 2,300 feet above sea level is considerably higher than the 975 – 1,300 feet of Stellenbosch) benefits the grapes through naturally lower temperatures and higher rainfall. There is greater cloud cover (due to the manner in which clouds form as the air rises over the mountains from the coast and condenses into rainfall). What’s more, in winter, Elgin benefits from much cooler temperatures than Stellenbosch or elsewhere and consequently the vines enter into a deeper dormancy state, resulting in better rest which, in-turn, enhances the longevity of the vine and supports general vine health. To cut a long story short, thanks to these unique natural attributes, Elgin has emerged as a wonderful, naturally-favorable location for producing among the finest aromatic white wines in the country.