Kaaimansgat Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2024
R260
Wine Club Members pay only R Find out more
The Kaaimansgat or Crocodile’s Lair vineyard is hidden away in a beautiful valley, nestled amongst majestic mountains, just 80 km from Hermanus. Bouchard Finlayson has been linked directly to this vineyard for more than thirty vintages. It is located 700m above sea level, ripens a month later than other Cape Chardonnays and benefits enormously from cool autumn temperatures. The name of the vineyard is steeped in mystery. According to local lore, escaped slaves from nearby Franschoek under the leadership of ‘Kwaaiman’, first settled here.
100% Chardonnay
Discover more
Vintage
Good rainfall was received during winter, but unfortunately wet conditions continued into the growing season – the cumulative summer precipitation nearly equalling the annual average. On Heritage weekend of 24 September, historic maximum rainfall data was revised when a massive 196mm event caused devastating flooding and landslides across the region. Wet and windy conditions prevailed during flower, reducing yields on most cultivars. Fortunately, the inclement weather dissipated before the onset of harvest, allowing ripeness to progress unhindered on the small and concentrated crop. Picking started in the second week of February, but in a very congested fashion, as ripening of various cultivars converged towards the first week of March.
Recent Awards
Vinification
Another healthy and impressive crop, notwithstanding the challenging growing conditions that marked the vintage. Chardonnay juice, freshly liberated from the hand-picked bunches, is deliberately exposed to a limited amount of oxygen prior to fermentation. This action is taken to remove undesired phenolics and contribute to a bright and fresh wine. The majority of the maturing wine was permitted to undergo malo-lactic fermentation, striking a perfect balance between palate weight and purity. Matured in French oak for 8 months, with a 22% new component. Bottling in January 2024.
Analysis
Label Alcohol: 13.5 %
Total Acidity 5.9 g/L;
Residual Sugar 3.0 g/L;
pH 3.25;
Volatile Acidity 0.55 mg /L;
Total So2 86 mg/L
Allergens: Sulphites
Suitable for Vegans
Tasting notes
This vintage continues to high-light the vineyard’s remarkable and consistent textural expression. Explosive citrus and succulent apricot fruit flavours engage the palate and drives an exhilarating fresh persistence. Excellent length. Nuanced and layered, however, it will reward further patience in spades. Drink now through 2029.
Food pairing
The richness of the wine works very well with a mild tandoori salmon and coriander chutney. Leafy herb salad with a light drizzle of miso dressing. Classic avocado ritz.
