PRIVATE CUVÉE
Private Cuvée 2016
Chardonnay 92 % Pinot Noir 8%
Arresting bead of fine but vigorous bubbles that burst to the surface, carrying with it shy but complex aromas of citrus leaf, baked tarte tatin and a hint of lily-of-the-valley. Its diamond-bright, lemon-gold hue belies its vintage and time in bottle. Flavours of crunchy, tart, crisp green apple mingle with a kelpy, somewhat saline maritime note initially before becoming altogether richer, with baked bread, sesame cracker and even a roasted nut element becoming apparent. Complex and sophisticated with a superb balance of thrilling acid freshness and succulence with the fuller, creamy lees elements as well as retaining its vivid fruit expression. Poised, focussed, structured and long, it remains lively with citrus vibrance to the end.
Private Cuvée 2015
69% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir
Pale lemon colour, bright and clear, with a hypnotic steady stream of vigorous, fine bubbles. The nose offers up subtle orange blossom with marmalade and oyster shell nuances mingling with baked sourdough bread. Vibrant, energetic fizz with grapefruit, lemon and lime vivacity in the mouth. A trace of salinity is present too, adding to the enjoyment of the crunchy zip and vitality. It then segues into a richer, creamier, genteel and silky smooth mouthful of lees, toast and baked bread tinged with a twist of citrus zest. The maritime notes of briny sea air and oyster shell are present too. Succulent and fresh but also taut, crisp and dry. Lovely tension and restraint but with power and generosity too. Seamless integration and marvelous refinement and persistence of flavour.
Accolades: 93 Points – Tim Atkin MW
Private Cuvée 2014
66% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir
Pale onion skin hue. Vigorous bead of fine, pristine bubbles and aromas of yeast with underlying red berries and stone fruit. Rounded by a subtle The palate is announced with tangy and refreshing entry full of vivid lemon and marmalade flavour. The same toasty sourdough notes then broadens with a precise fantail of flavour as promised on the nose. It is complex and well defined, with nothing out of place – just sumptuous and elegant. Vibrant and fresh, yet creamy, rich and statuesque. Wonderfully lingering finish.
Accolades: 92 Points – Tim Atkin MW, 96 Points – Platter’s SA
Vineyards & Soils
Altima Estate is located in Elandskloof, a 5 km-wide isolated valley north of Villiersdorp, surrounded by a mountain range rising 1km above the valley floor. The valley’s steep topography, combined with the overshadowing mountains, results in a distinctly cool continental climate. Quartz sandstone from the Table Mountain Sandstone group appears against the higher-lying mountains. The main soil type found on the farm is good decomposed shale from the Malmesbury group. This unique site produces fruit with high natural acidity and low pH levels, which contribute to the wine’s ageing potential.
Average Temperature
16.2 C
Yield
8.9 tons/ha
Area of Origin
Elandskloof
Vineyards & Soils
The majority of this vintage blend is sourced from our Altima estate in Elandskloof. The best vineyards and soils are found on the steep slopes that surround this picturesque valley. The farm’s dominant soil is well-decomposed shale from the Malmesbury group. These soils have a high water-retention capacity and a high organic matter content, which results in healthy and sometimes vigorous growth. The trellising system used in Chardonnay vineyards is vertical shoot positioning, whereas the posted vine method is used in Pinot Noir vineyards.
Average Temperature
15.7 C
Yield
9.2 tons/ha
Area of Origin
Elandskloof
Vineyards & Soils
The biggest part of this vintage blend hails from Altima vineyards, situated in Elandskloof where the best vineyard sites and soils are found on the steep slopes surrounding this picturesque valley. Good decomposed shale soils, from the Malmesbury group of soils, are the predominant soils on the farm. These soils tend to have a high water- retention capacity and are high in organic matter, resulting in vigorous growth. The Chardonnay vineyards trellising system is vertical shoot positioning, whilst the Pinot Noir vineyards are trellised using the posted vine method.
Average Temperature
16.1 C
Yield
8 tons/ha
Area of Origin
Western Cape
Private Cuvée
Blanc De Blanc
Brut Rosé Vintage
Brut Classique NV
