This Helderberg chardonnay was named for its vineyard, a special site planted almost 30 years ago by the legendary John Platter the founder of the eponymous guide. The name translates to “Heavenly Vineyard” from the French and has been farmed organically as well as with biodynamic principles. Also preferring a lighter touch in the cellar winemaker Jasper Raats ferments the juice with native yeasts, without the use of enzymes or fining agents. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for 11 - 12 months, bottled unfiltered and further left to mature for approximately a year prior to release. Heavenly it is – as light and ephemeral as a bank of white clouds, but with an intrinsic luminosity that is impossible to manufacture – truly an expression of site, one of extraordinary clarity and grace. R695 (96)