Organic/Biodynamic Wines
Online-Only Auction, 30 May - 13 June 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Longridge Wine Estate, with its panoramic vista over False Bay, is situated in the Stellenbosch region on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range. Here cellarmaster Jasper Raats applies his passion for the production of organic and biodynamic wines with extensive international experience. Longridge's vision is to produce environmentally sustainable wines of superior quality. Biodynamic farming methods are utilized to the fullest, minimizing the impact they have on the environment.
Biodynamic Farming
Farmed and made according to biodynamic practices, but not certified. Often accompanied with organic farming practices.
Biodynamic farming uses no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Biodynamic farming works to achieve soil health through the use of compost, animal and green manures; diversified crop rotations; and incorporation of livestock. However, the two agricultural systems differ in that biodynamic farmers rely on eight specific preparations for the soil, crops and compost to enhance soil and plant quality, and to stimulate the composting process. The eight preparations, designated by their ingredients or by numbers 500 to 507, are made from cow manure; silica; the flowers of yarrow, chamomile, dandelion and valerian; oak bark; and the stinging nettle plant. A ninth prep, often referred to as 508, is made from horsetail and is used for fungal disease.
Planted almost 30 years ago on a decomposed granite site on the higher slopes of the Helderberg by the legendary John Platter, and recently restored to its former glory with this maiden release - Clos du Ciel, which means “Heavenly Vineyard”, has proven to produce an infinitely complex and unique but classic Chardonnay.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
2013 - ‘With intensity and focus, aromas pour out of 2013 Chardonnay - honeysuckle, vanilla, ripe apples and hazelnut; tight palate has classic feel, with balanced oaking (100% new), moderate alcohol and upbeat acidity making an ideal food partner.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
‘Established by John and Erica Platter, Clos du Ciel has proved to be one of the Cape’s great Chardonnay vineyards, densely planted with ten different clones. Spicy, focused and chalky with well integrated (70% new) oak, this has flavours of citrus peel, nutmeg and creamy lees. Drink: 2015-22.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 95/100
2014 - ‘Classy, superior Chardonnay from low-crop single-vineyard on the Helderberg. Classic flavours of citrus plus honeysuckle and almond. Focused acidity makes 2014 an ideal food partner. Ready to drink, but will reward time in bottle.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*
‘Planted as long ago as 1987, when world-class Cape Chardonnays were almost non-existent, this vineyard contains nine clones in the space of one hectare. The altitude (450 metres) confers freshness, the site, winemaking and grape growing sheer class. A complex, saline, focused white of remarkable intensity and palate length. Drink: 2016-24.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 95/100
2015 - ‘Classy barrel-fermented Chardonnay from organic, low-crop, single-vineyard on the Helderberg. White peach joins trademark honeysuckle and almond tones, refined citrus fruit soaks up 100% new oak. Focused acidity makes 2015 a commanding presence without being showy.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)
‘Clos du Ciel is the oldest single vineyard Chardonnay in the country, produced from a remarkable, windswept side on the Helderberg. Made with nine different clones, it sees 100% new oak and 80% malolactic, but is all about terroir. Taut, complex and stony, it’s as close as Stellenbosch gets to making a Puligny-Montrachet style. Stunning. 2018-27.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 95/100
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