Description
The Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Réserve 2024 is a refined Franschhoek Chardonnay shaped by both Burgundian inspiration and the distinct mountain terroir of the valley. Crafted to express elegance, texture, and minerality, this wine continues the estate’s growing reputation for producing sophisticated Chardonnay with both freshness and depth.
The nose opens with delicate aromas of orange blossom, grapefruit, and citrus peel, layered with notes of melon, toasted almond, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, the wine is poised and energetic, balancing vibrant citrus freshness with a creamy texture and gentle nutty complexity. A lively acidity carries the wine through a long, mineral finish, giving it both immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.
The 2024 vintage reflects Haute Cabrière’s philosophy of creating Chardonnays that are expressive yet restrained, with purity of fruit supported by thoughtful cellar work and site-driven character.
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses.
The nose opens with delicate aromas of orange blossom, grapefruit, and citrus peel, layered with notes of melon, toasted almond, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, the wine is poised and energetic, balancing vibrant citrus freshness with a creamy texture and gentle nutty complexity. A lively acidity carries the wine through a long, mineral finish, giving it both immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.
The 2024 vintage reflects Haute Cabrière’s philosophy of creating Chardonnays that are expressive yet restrained, with purity of fruit supported by thoughtful cellar work and site-driven character.
This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses.
In the cellar
The grapes were hand-harvested from selected Franschhoek vineyard sites rooted in sandy loam soils with clay and silt components that provide excellent drainage and balanced vine growth.
Following sorting and pressing, fermentation took place using a proprietary “sauvage” natural yeast strain isolated by the estate. The wine was matured in a combination of stainless steel tanks, cement egg, and older French oak barrels, creating a balance between fruit purity, texture, minerality, and integrated complexity.
A portion of the wine was aged on its lees in stainless steel to preserve freshness and energy, while the barrel-aged component contributed structure and palate depth before blending.
Winemaker: Tim Hoek
Following sorting and pressing, fermentation took place using a proprietary “sauvage” natural yeast strain isolated by the estate. The wine was matured in a combination of stainless steel tanks, cement egg, and older French oak barrels, creating a balance between fruit purity, texture, minerality, and integrated complexity.
A portion of the wine was aged on its lees in stainless steel to preserve freshness and energy, while the barrel-aged component contributed structure and palate depth before blending.
Winemaker: Tim Hoek
About the Winery
Cradled by mountains in the scenic Franschhoek Valley, Cabrière is deeply rooted in history. The range of Pierre Jourdan wines produced on the estate honors the memory of French Huguenot Pierre Jourdan, who was granted the land on December 22, 1694. He named his property Cabrière after the village he had fled near Avignon and planted the first vines.
Proprietor Achim von Arnim bought the land for the purpose of producing wine in the Champagne style, called Méthode Cap Classique, or MCC, in South Africa. An enthusiast whose lust for life is expressed in winegrowing, Achim says simply, “It was as if Cabrière had been waiting for me.”
Achim bought a second property, aptly named Haute Cabrière. The philosophy and specialty is producing wine exclusively from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The iconic Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend was a South African first, leading the market with a blend of these varietals.
Currently overseeing the winemaking is second-generation Cellar Master Takuan von Arnim. He shares his father’s philosophy on the importance of terroir and the passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Proprietor Achim von Arnim bought the land for the purpose of producing wine in the Champagne style, called Méthode Cap Classique, or MCC, in South Africa. An enthusiast whose lust for life is expressed in winegrowing, Achim says simply, “It was as if Cabrière had been waiting for me.”
Achim bought a second property, aptly named Haute Cabrière. The philosophy and specialty is producing wine exclusively from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The iconic Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend was a South African first, leading the market with a blend of these varietals.
Currently overseeing the winemaking is second-generation Cellar Master Takuan von Arnim. He shares his father’s philosophy on the importance of terroir and the passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
