Sourced from the western part of Elgin, known as the Lake District, this clone produces wines that are nervous, aromatic, elegant and sharp with slightly lower alcohol and finely balanced, the fruit profile being subtle with hints of citrus/orange peel and peach blossom and with time, some nutty elements. The Cartref soils, a mixture of decomposed granite, pebbles and quartz, adds delicacy and heightens the fruit intensity.
The inspiration for my Deconstructed Chardonnay stems from my belief that the Elgin region boasts credentials that make it world-class. To bolster these regional credentials, I have set out to prove that Elgin has both a signature grape, as well as specific ‘terroirs' (meso-climates) that reflect intra-regional distinctions. To fully comprehend this, it is necessary to dig deeper into the DNA that make up our region. To elucidate this, I have decided to make these 3 Chardonnay wines, each selected from a specific vineyard and an individual clone. Importantly, this is an ongoing story that will unfold over the coming years.
"The CY96 release comes from a new supplier in 2019, but is every bit as impressive as previous iterations. Tauter, leaner and more floral than its sibling CY95 release, it has plenty of underlying concentration, beeswax and citrus flavours, toasty oak and impressive drive and focus. 2022-27"
- Tim Atkin, South Africa Report 2021, 95 pts
"A single clone (96) grown on a single parcel from a single vineyard of Cartref soils (decomposed granite and quartz). Roasted grain, wet stones, and lemon peel aromas. Precise and tightly coiled with an intense mineral character and yellow fruit and citrus zest flavors finishing with a smoky gunflint note. Matured in 50% new oak."
- International Wine Review (Richard Kershaw Lifts Elgin To New Heights, February 2019), 93 pts
Go To Kershaw Chardonnay Deconstructed Lake District Cartref CY96
"The 2017 Lake District Cartref CY96 Deconstructed Chardonnay is a more classic style of Chardonnay, with a balanced oaked core that is a step in the direction of Burgundy and shows a pure expression of fruit, acid and oak. The clonal selection of clone 96 shows bright and lively, remaining focused with a dynamic structure of energetic acidity that lingers on the long finish. With a small production of only 760 bottles produced, it will be your lucky day if you get the opportunity to experience this wine. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #245, October 2019), 91 pts
Go To Kershaw Chardonnay Deconstructed Lake District Cartref CY96
Richard Kershaw wines was founded in 2012, by Master of Wine Richard Kershaw. Richard’s mission is to focus on noble grapes and create clonally selected, site-specific, cool climate wines in ...
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