Grapes for 2016 La Motte Chardonnay originate from La Motte at Franschhoek. The vineyard grows against a southern and south-western slope 200 metres above sea level.
The preceding winter was cold enough for good budding, but in many places only 33% of the normal rainfall was received. Initially, growth and bunch- forming were good and indicated a promising harvest. As a result of heat-waves in October and January and abnormally many days with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius during summer the harvest was substantially smaller than expected. Irrigation water was also very limited. Harvesting was 10 to 14 days earlier than normal and the total acid was lower and pH higher as a result of the heat.
Vineyard blocks: 6 (4,9 ha) Soil type: Clovelly Direction planted: North-South Density: 4 630 vines per hectare (2,7 x 0,8) Root stock: Richter 99 Clone: CY 3 Year planted: 1997 Trellising: Perold Irrigation: Drip The vineyard is managed to maintain a perfect balance between leaf coverage and yield. It is managed biologically.
All bunches were whole-pressed and the juice received a reasonable measure of oxidative treatment. The clean juice was transferred to 300-litre French oak barrels where it was inoculated with yeast and fermented at between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius. Malolactic fermentation was also in the barrels. One third of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation. After fermentation the lees was stirred regularly over a period of eleven months. 25% of the French oak barrels in which the wine was matured were new. All the components were blended subsequent to maturation and the wine was bottled in the La Motte cellar in April 2017. 6 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) were released as 2016 La Motte Chardonnay.
Greeny straw colour. Fruity lemon and nectarine on the nose, with hints of cashew and lees as the only evidence of wood maturation. A juicy and polished entry, medium full with lots of citrus and juicy peach on the palate. Lively length with good freshness for a wood-matured wine.
Alcohol: 12,28% vol
Residual sugar: 1,8 g/l
Total acid: 6,1 g/l
pH: 3,44
