Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2017, good match with Dianne Bibby’s Cumin Lamb Kofta Phyllo Pastries

Monday, 27 November, 2017
Michael Olivier Communications
Mulderbosch Vineyards sits in a little valley on the Polkadraai Road in the western part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation.

The grapes for the Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2017 come from a variety of Stellenbosch sites from those close to False Bay which benefit from the cooling breezes ameliorating summer heat in the vineyards, to those in Polkadraai and a portion from the Bottelary Hills, well known as an area which produces great wines. The soils on which these vineyards grow vary from decomposed Table Mountain granite to Malmesbury shales.

The 2017 vintage was remarkable thanks to the joint effect of dry weather conditions and persistent wind throughout the growing season. The wind factor served to both decrease average temperatures and lower night time temperatures which resulted in very well-balanced acidity in the grapes for the Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2017 at harvest. Judging by the intensity of flavour in the 2017 wines, it seems there was also a mild concentration effect as a result of the conditions mentioned above.

Once in the cellars, a 20% component was fermented in 300 litre French oak barrels, the balance in Stainless Steel tanks. Taken off the fermentation lees, the wine was then further matured for 6 months before being prepared for bottling.

It looks like
Bottled under screw cap in a light green Burgundy shaped bottle, appropriate for the variety. The label is the now iconic Mulderbosch ‘cigar label’. In the class, it is a pale golden straw in colour.

It smells like
Fresh sliced ripe white fleshed peaches, sweet tropical lime. Undertow of oak and its concomitant spices.

It tastes like
Alive from entry to exit, lovely golden thread of citrus acidity running through it. Peaches, nectarines. The wine is amazingly creamy, some I find so alluring. Generosity of fruit and fruit density which continues into the tail and wanes gently. Excellent food wine.

It’s good with
A delicious glass for serious sipping before dinner. Excellent with a buttery lemon roasted organic chicken and gentle Kerala vegetable curries. Dianne Bibby’s Cumin Lamb Kofta Phyllo Pastries make a delicious pre-dinner snack, and matches this wine so well. Click here for her recipe.

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Michael Olivier Communications

Michael Olivier writes about wine, food and lifestyle and introduces you to his website partners and their products.
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Adam Mason, Mulderbosch Winemaker
Adam Mason, Mulderbosch Winemaker



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