Jezebelle Chardonnay 2023
R1,140.00
Ageing Potential
Enjoy now or allow to age for maximum result and enjoyment.
Blend Information
100% Chardonnay
The Vineyard
Jezebelle is born from low-yielding vineyards on Babylon Farm, nestled high in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge above Hermanus. Here, ancient soils and cool maritime breezes shape a Chardonnay of purity and poise — a vivid expression of site, soil, and slow coastal ripening. Released a year after vintage, she’s a graceful study in restraint and character.
Varietal: Chardonnay 100%
Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Soil Type: Planted to Argillaceous Shale of the Bokkeveld Series
Aspect: North West, South and South East
Trellising System: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Age of Vines: 16 – 17 years
Vines per hectare: 5400 – 6000
Average Yield: 8 tons/ha
Production: 3184 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles
Climate
Cradled close to the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge are shaped by a cool maritime climate. Southerly breezes sweep through parallel mountain ranges, carrying mist and cloud cover into the valley — softening the summer sun and keeping temperatures deliciously even. With an average of 19°C and gentle rainfall around 750mm a year, this is a place where grapes ripen slowly, gracefully, and with natural poise.
The Harvest
Hand-harvested in the cool, early mornings between 19 February and 6 March 2023, the grapes were picked in six separate passes to capture nuance across site and clone variation. Early batches bring perfumed green citrus and fresh acidity, while later harvests offer yellow fruit richness and layered complexity on the palate. A slow, seductive gathering — designed for depth.
Analysis
| Alcohol by Volume | 13.09% |
| Total Acidity | 6.4 g/L |
| pH | 3.37 |
| Volatile Acid | 0.53 g/L |
| Residual Sugar | 2.4 g/L |
Winemaking
This blend of six vineyards was harvested in the early morning and pressed at cool temperatures to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. The juice was gently settled for 24–36 hours at 10°C before being gravity-fed into a selection of Burgundian oak puncheons (500L) for fermentation.
A mix of 20% new and older oak was used, adding subtle texture and depth. The wine then rested on gross lees in barrel for eight months, with minimal stirring, building complexity without losing purity. Final blending took place one month before bottling — a graceful finish to a slow, expressive evolution.
Tasting Notes
Crafted from six cool-climate vineyard blocks and aged in Burgundian oak, Jezebelle is layered and textural. Aromas of lime blossom, white peach, and wet stone lead into a palate shaped by shale and clay — taut, mineral, and laced with citrus zip and stone fruit flesh.
Silky yet vibrant, this Chardonnay drinks beautifully now but will evolve with grace. A natural match for seafood, shellfish, and white meats.
