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This is a superb, single vineyard Chardonnay from coastal-cooled vineyards in premium Stellenbosch. It's the passion of the winemaker Adam Mason, who's worked at some top Cape estates. Fresh greengage fruit, creamy with a touch of savoury oak.
Tasting notes
Rounded, good weight; bright citrus and apple, with light spice; long
Aroma
Creamy apple, pear fruit, citrusy, with a touch of savoury spice
Allergy information
Contains sulphites
More information
We have known Adam Mason since the 1990s when, fresh out of college, he came to work for us as a Flying Winemaker, making great wines in French cellars. There he encountered the hedgehog, or hérisson, a metal pyramid with spikes for drying bottles, and where this wine gets its name. On his return to South Africa in 2001, he worked for some top estates including Klein Constantia and Mulderbosch, before finally deciding he wanted to put all his effort into making wines for himself: Yardstick Wines. Adam loves cool-climate Chardonnay – the most expressive grape to show off its 'terroir'. For Hérisson, that's the lower slopes of Stellenbosch mountain. Whole bunch pressed, cool fermented and barrel matured, this is a rich, complex white.