Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

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)

'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) - Chardonnay of the Year

'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

'Charming purity of fruit, very mineral and balanced. The subtle nose evokes fresh white fruits, hints of light toast and white sesame. The palate is crystalline. Great texture and length. Savory and saline, this Chardonnay is magnificent.' - La Revue du Vin de France, 2020 - 18.5/20

'Delicate, creamy citrus with high acid to balance. Intense, zesty and needs time - all too primary at the moment and not fully meshed but has the ingredients in place for a longer future. (The 2008 that Craig gave me blind - it's no longer available - was delicious, though I took it to be a mature Sémillon.) Deep and long.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20

'Pear, lemon and a hint of oatmeal on the nose and palate but much more about structure than aromatics or primary flavour. It possesses intensity without being heavy or bulky and great length on the finish. Delicate and yet super-detailed, just beautifully poised, this vintage is the finest to date and firmly among the best examples in the country.' - Winemag, Christian Eedes - 96/100