Wine: Journey’s End V1 Chardonnay

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Stellenbosch

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: Chardonnay

ABV: 13.50%

Type: White

Code: 8515

Tasting Note 

A wine carefully balanced between citrus and mineral freshness, ripe stone and tropical fruits, enhanced with the creamy complexity of subtle oak aging. 

Producer

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with a picturesque wine farm called Journey’s End and restored it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

The Journey’s End vineyards are nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, where lies 350 million year old decomposed granite soils are one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested from the foothills of Sir Lowry’s Mountain Pass and exhibit a unique maritime influence. Cooling coastal winds and extreme diurnal fluctuations allow for longer ripening periods so the grapes have high natural acidity and very apparent salinity. Grapes are subjected to a combination of whole bunch and destemmed pressing. Only free-run juice is used to produce this wine is fermented and matured in a combination of French oak barrels (10% new, 70% second and third fill), concrete eggs (12%) and clay amphoras (8%). Battonage and lees contact of 9 months enhances mouthfeel. Only 10% malolactic fermentation is allowed to retain balanced acidity, zestiness, and freshness.

Fun Fact

Journey's End is the most southern vineyard in the Stellenbosch region overlooking the False Bay area. False Bay got its name because early sailors thought they had reached Table Bay & Cape Town, but that is further on from False Bay. Journey's End - because they thought it was where their journey ended.

Food pairing

Classically pairs with seafood, roast chicken, and pork dishes.

Awards & Accolades

3.9 Vivino

Matthew Jukes “I am a massive fan of Journey’s End and I have written their wines up in my various columns, for years.”