Eikendal Vineyards | House of Chardonnay

Sweet memories of our visit to Eikendal Vineyards this year, tasted some wonderful wines, particularly their Chardonnays they are known for.

Eikendal Vineyards is situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region. Established in 1981, this estate has become synonymous with producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Western Cape.

The estate’s prime location at the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains provides an ideal microclimate for grape cultivation. Eikendal’s vineyards benefit from the cooling influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, contributing to the development of grapes with a perfect balance of acidity and ripeness.

One of the key strengths of Eikendal is its commitment to sustainable farming practices. The focus in the vineyard is to create maximum fruit and structure in the grape berry with as much concentration as possible – in the cellar it’s all about preserving those flavour and ensuring to maintain freshness, elegance and finesse.

The vineyard features a diverse planting of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Chardonnay. This strategic cultivation encompasses a harmonious blend of Bordeaux, Rhone, and Burgundian varietals, with the oldest vines dating back to 1987.

In addition to their red wines, Eikendal Vineyards has gained recognition for their crisp and elegant white wines. The Eikendal Chardonnay, for instance, reflects the estate’s mastery in balancing the rich, buttery notes associated with Chardonnay while maintaining a refreshing acidity.

Wines we tasted:

Eikendal Cap Classique 2020

Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this wine entices with aromatic notes of citrus, lime, peaches and cream, complemented by a refreshing minerality. The extended bottle fermentation results in a delicate and satisfying mousse on the palate.

Eikendal Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Selected from a specific block in the Elgin Valley, the grapes benefit from Elgin’s exceptionally cool climate which is ideal for crafting premium Sauvignon Blanc. This wine presents a tropical palate, with nuanced notes of green apple and stone fruit on the nose seamlessly transitioning to the palate. Experience the crisp acidity, full mouth-feel and a satisfyingly lingering finish.

Eikendal Janina 2022
A beautiful unoaked Chardonnay that captivates with the aromas of green apple, lemon and fresh pineapple. Delight your palate as hints of honey and orange blossoms unfold, carried through the mid-palate to a charming, fresh and flinty finish.

Eikendal Chardonnay 2020
Harvested from both Stellenbosch and Elgin, the grapes spent 10 – 12 months in second and third fill barrels. This Chardonnay embodies an elegant style, revealing notes of orange peel and floral perfume on the palate. The wine presents a fresh and taut mouthfeel, underpinned by a mineral core and propelled by robust acidity.

Eikendal Mon Désir Chardonnay 2018
Sourced from the Elgin Valley, these grapes underwent a 14-month barrel ageing process, with 30% new oak. The nose exhibits lemon, a subtle touch of flinty reduction with hints of vanilla and oatmeal. Rich and concentrated on the palate, there’s a perfect balance of freshness, leading to a gently savoury finish.

Eikendal Merlot 2020
Expressive and vibrant, this wine unfolds with dominant notes of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose. The distinct cassis and earthy undertones of Cabernet Sauvignon shine through. The interplay of spicy and sweet French oak adds a harmonious balance to the rich fruit profile. Supported by a sturdy backbone of fine-grained tannins, the result is a fleshy and concentrated expression.

Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Aromas of ripe berries, dark chocolate, spices and subtle pencil shavings welcome you on the nose. The palate unfolds with silky tannins, accompanied by fruity notes and delicate oak flavors, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Eikendal Charisma 2021
A Rhone blend of Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that is a favourite. Infused with aromatic and seasoned undertones, this wine reveals a rich, berry character that imparts fruity flavours with finesse on the palate. The outcome is a bold, charming, seductive and ultimately elegant wine.

Eikendal Classique 2020
A Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Rich and powerful with delicate flavours of blue and black berries, earthiness and a classical freshness. It is perfectly balanced with red- and black fruit, seductive oak spice, fresh acidity and fine tannins.

Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021
Aromas of ripe blackberry and blackcurrant dominating the nose. The distinct cassis and earthy qualities inherent to Cabernet Sauvignon are unmistakably present. Complemented by the harmonious interplay of spicy and sweet French oak, the fruit is balanced with finesse. The palate unfolds with fleshy, concentrated fruit, underpinned by a sturdy backbone of fine-grained tannins.

From the moment you arrive at our picturesque winery, it’s clear that Eikendal Vineyards is more than a place to savour exceptional wines. It’s a destination where lasting memories are crafted.

Whether you’re enjoying Wine Tasting, pairing Cheesecake with Wine, taking Tractor Rides, exploring Cellar Tours, or partaking in kid-friendly activities, our vineyard offers a diverse range of experiences for all.

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