Young Guns and New Wave Producers
Timed Online Auction, 17 - 27 November 2023
Young Gun and New Wave Producers
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About this Item
Craig has carved out a unique style with his single vineyard Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay (named after daughter Ava) that reflects his philosophy of minimum intervention and linear wines, shaped by place and vintage.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Five pickings from a single-vineyard, natural ferment in oak, aged in a mix of barrel, amphora, and stainless steel. 2017 has thrilling tension, purity and complexity in spice-edged, ripe lime flavours. Texture is as important; density and fine grip will ensure a long lifespan.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (97/100)
'Craig Wessels picks this two-hectare block in five stages to achieve maximum balance and complexity. Large barrel and amphora-fermented, it's a stunning, elegantly refined Chardonnay with understated oak, some cinnamon spice, good texture and a fresh, citrus peel finish. One of the Cape's best Chardonnays.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100
'The 2017 Chardonnay Ava Marie has a fragrant bouquet with touches of lemon rind, peach skin and an oily scent that is quite potent and attractive. The palate is vibrant on the entry with a tang of orange rind and marmalade, very intense with touches of mint and sage. It fans out nicely on the finish - an excellent Chardonnay that should drink well over the next decade and more.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2022)