It was in 2002, that Swiss-born winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn discovered their little piece of paradise on the cool-climate, Hemel-enAarde Ridge of South Africa’s acclaimed Walker Bay. Here, in one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, virus-free vines climb the steep foothills of Babylonstoren Mountain, flourishing in ancient quartzite and clay-rich soils, cooled by breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
A chic, cool-climate Chardonnay with glorious layers of sun-kissed pear and peach enhanced by fresh minerality and hints of spice. Full of finesse and elegance.
The Chardonnay blocks are planted at 270m above sea level. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean’s Benguela current brings cooling south-easterly breezes to the area, as do clouds hemmed in by the surrounding mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow Hemel-en-Aarde.