This is a particularly special bottling as it’s the last vintage farmed by the late owner of Hemelrand, Hans Evenhuis. Such a special person who farmed this land with love and care.

Roussanne 36%; Chardonnay 27%; Chenin Blanc 23%; Verdelho 11%; Muscat Blanc 3%

The grapes were picked early in the morning, sorting in the vineyard, and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in old barrels of various sizes. Fermentation lasted for about two months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Bright, exotic nose. Powerful and heady. Notes of stone fruit and rind, some sweet oatmeal. Very complex. Maybe some quince? The palate is “feeling very Olympic today.” Surging acidity, full bodied. Finish is long and pointed, sweet/sour snap. Probably the best Vine Garden to date, and the last vintage farmed by Hans.