Jordan Unoaked Chardonnay 2024

Jordan make this unoaked Chardonnay at their estate in the Stellenbosch Kloof, in the Coastal Region of South Africa. The valley sits between mountain ranges that funnel cool air and morning cloud off False Bay, moderating the Cape heat and holding onto acidity in the fruit. Decomposed granite and shale soils drain freely and keep yields modest, which concentrates flavour in the grapes. The wine sees no oak at all, so the focus stays on the variety and the site rather than barrel character. Four months on the fine lees, the spent yeast left in suspension, gives a subtle creaminess and rounds out the mid palate without masking the fruit. The result is pale straw in colour, with green apple, lemon and white peach on the nose and a clean citrus drive across the palate. A saline, mineral note runs through to a crisp, dry finish. This is Chardonnay in a fresh, unadorned register, closer to Chablis than to the richer oaked styles. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.