Chardonnay joins the Cloof line-up for the first time, with the release of the 2004 Dusty Road Chardonnay unwooded. Produced from the only trellised vineyard on Cloof, the grapes were harvested early in the season, in order to preserve natural acidity. The lack of irrigation in this vineyard is a double-edged sword – the flavours are concentrated, but the downside is that the vines have less foliage, which leaves the bunches more exposed to direct sunlight.

The grapes were pressed direct to tank without the juice receiving any skin contact, and the juice then followed conventional vinification in stainless steel.

We are delighted with this wine. It has a delicious, tangy richness on the palate, and drinks as well with food as without.

It will be available in Hong Kong from early July (contact OBH Trading on 2152 3016). South African residents can order it via our website http://www.cloof.co.za.