Description
CELLAR INFORMATION A blend of Grenache Blanc / Piquepoul Blanc / Roussanne / Marsanne.
The grapes were picked at different stages. The fruit was pre-cooled
and whole bunch pressed before spontaneous fermentation took place.
The wine was barrel fermented and aged in old 500L French oak barrels.
A portion of the Grenache was whole bunch fermented for added
texture and complexity. The components went through 80% malolactic
fermentation. The wines were aged for 1 year in barrel prior blending
and bottling and spent six months in bottle before release. VINEYARD INFORMATION The 2022 vintage will be remembered for a cool season before harvest,
followed by a sudden temperature spike from January. Good vineyard
practices were followed, and canopies were managed well, which
delivered exceptional grape analyses and wine quality. Temperatures
rose sharply during early January, causing sunburn on exposed
bunches. The hot weather in January also accelerated the early cultivars’
ripening dates, although we harvested more than a week later than in
the previous year. Frequent high temperatures during February further
contributed to harvest dates shifting sooner and harvesting returned to
normal timing by the end of February. We didn’t experience any crop
losses nor any downy mildew and powdery mildew infections.
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 95
"Made up of a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Piquepoul Blanc, and Marsanne, this stylishly crafted new classical white from the Brookdale Estate in Paarl is wonderfully perfumed and expressive with exotic notes of honeysuckle, white blossom, peach stone, waxy apple peel, crushed grey slate, and granitic mineral undertones. The palate boasts a broad fleshy texture with succulent soft yellow pineapple pastille, hints of marzipan, pear puree, peach bellini, and yet more liquid mineral nuances. Very Rhone-like in appearance but also beautifully pithy and complex, showing off the very finest characteristics of Roussanne and Marsanne without compromising freshness. This is another very classy white addition to the Brookdale Estate portfolio that’s sure to be a big gastronomic food matching hit. Drink now and over the next 5 to 8+ years." – Greg Sherwood MW. [Greg Sherwood MW, 14/08/2023]
JancisRobinson.com 17/20
Brand-new project. Roughly 50% Grenache Blanc, and the rest is Roussanne with a small percentage of Picpoul and Marsanne. Some of the Grenache Blanc gets two weeks of skin contact. All varieties go through spontaneous barrel fermentation in old French oak barrels. 80% malo. Aged for 11 months, then blended and aged for six months. Love at first sip. Richness, layers, levels, length. Orchestral in its complexity, but fun. Like a philharmonic orchestra playing heavy metal. The texture is rose petals and shiny lime leaves with a crash of rust. It tastes of orange blossom and sour cream, yuzu and angelica, candied peel and steel strings. The acidity reverberates with the amplitude of an electric cello, shimmers like brushes on cymbals. It’s a baby wine with so much potential that my spine is tingling. [Tamlyn Currin, 06/06/2023]
Producer Profile
INTRODUCTION
The Brookdale Estate, situated at the foot of the lofty Du Toitskloof Pass in Paarl, is a very impressive boutique winery owned by Englishman Tim Rudd and is planted with not only 25+ year old Chenin Blanc vines but also several other special Chenin Blanc blocks that are now over 35 years old and certified under the Old Vine Project as Heritage Vines.
