Au Sommet Chardonnay 2023

Kaaimansgaat – also known as Crocodile’s Lair – is a superb vineyard tucked away in Elandskloof Valley, about 80km inland from another famous Cape South Coast wine region, Hermanus. The Crocodile, however, lies at 700 metres altitude and, so cool, its grapes ripen almost a month later than other Cape Chardonnay vineyards. No wonder Au Sommet has such pure fruit, with a core of citrus minerality. Dry grown, the vines receive not a drop of extra water, so they produce small berries. That means little juice and lots of skin contact, perfect for fine Chardonnay. It’s almost impossible to get hold of fruit from this amazing vineyard, so all the more kudos for winemaker Adam Mason. A fine white to serve cellar cool with seafood or white meats.