The Agnes Chardonnay, Crystallum 2024

The 2024 The Agnes is whole bunch pressed and aged for ten months with no new oak. Slightly deeper in colour than other cuvées, it has a perfumed nose with yellow plum and light jasmine scents and a hint of orange pith in the background. The palate is well balanced with a lovely waxy texture. Quite Swartland in style, though it comes from Overberg, Hemel-en-Aarde and Ceres sourced fruit. Drink over the next 4-5 years.

Grapes from seven different sites planted variously across Shaw’s Mountain (Overberg), Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Ceres Plateau and Piekenierskloof. Matured in foudre and predominantly older oak. Lemon and orange to the fore on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit – clean, vital, and finishing with a pleasing pithiness. Not especially complex yet shows some weight and is thoroughly delicious. Alc: 13.4%.