Tasting Note
95 Points, Neal Martin, 2022-2032 Vinous The 2019 Chardonnay Reserve, matured in 30% new oak for 10 months on the gross lees, has a taut, mineral-driven bouquet of orange zest, quince and light marmalade notes. The taut, linear palate has fine salinity and a very precise finish that is pure class. This is a riveting Chardonnay from DeMorgenzon, one of their classiest that I have tasted. Review Date: 01 Apr 21
About the Producer
The DeMorgenzon estate is based in Stellenbosch and was originally part of the Uiterwyk Estate, one of the oldest estates on the Cape dating back to 1679. The name ‘DeMorgenzon’ means ‘the morning sun’ and is so named as it lies in the first section of the Stellenboschkloof Valley to benefit from the sun each day. Given its aspect and high altitude of 200 to 400 metres above sea level, it is a cool site in an otherwise hot viticultural region. Back in 2017, Neal Martin wrote that, “DeMorgenzon continues to set the pace for outstanding Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc’. This impressive estate extends over 91 hectares and is owned by the Applebaum family. In 2021, they employed winemaker, Alastair Rimmer, former Cellar Master at Kleine Salze, who shares their commitment to subtle and well-attuned winemaking, focusing on purity and clearly-expressed fruit. They have a commitment to biodiversity and rewilding their land at DeMorgenzon, having set aside approximately 10% of their land for the restoration of the Cape Floral Kingdom habitat known as Renosterveld.
