Journey’s End Vineyards, the picturesque farm nestled among the slopes of the famous Schapenberg Hills overlooking False Bay, has a unique microclimate and exceptional terroir. Since the Gabb family took over the vineyard 27 years ago, they have been ethically and sustainably producing top quality wines to be enjoyed on all occasions, and Journey’s End’s single varietal, estate fruit V1 Chardonnay and V3 Shiraz are no exception.

Journey’s End’s vines are grown on 350-million-year-old decomposed granite soils, creating one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. As well as dramatically beautiful views, the vineyards also benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Dynamic winemaker Mike Dawson uses progressive methods in the cellar and in the vineyards, including a minimal intervention philosophy, carbonic maceration and fermentation and ageing in amphorae and concrete eggs, adding a complex layer to classically elegant wines. With only a handful of premium hand-crafted wines grown in this outstanding terroir, the three core wine ranges – Precision, V Series and Tales Series – are all prime examples of excellence.

The Journey’s End V Series (Vineyard Series) comprises five varietal wines, all vegan friendly and distinctive examples of Journey’s End’s terroir. The V1 Chardonnay 2022 entices with vibrant lemon and lime notes and hints of floral orange blossom, and the V3 Shiraz abounds with blackcurrants, violets and white pepper with a hint of dried coriander. The other wines in the range are the V2 Merlot 2017, V4 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, and V5 Cabernet Franc 2021.

JOURNEY’S END V1 CHARDONNAY 2022

In the vineyard and the cellar: The grapes were handpicked in the early morning from chardonnay blocks exhibiting a unique maritime influence. Only the free run juice from whole bunch and destemmed pressing was fermented and matured in a combination of French oak barrels (10% new, 70% second and third fill), concrete eggs (12%) and clay amphoras (8%). Extended lees contact with regular bâtonnage (stirring the lees) enhanced the structure and mouthfeel of the wine. Only 10% malolactic fermentation was allowed to retain balanced acidity, zestiness and freshness.

Tasting notes: This elegant and refined Chardonnay shows a lovely aromatic freshness. It is citrus forward with vibrant lemon and lime notes and hints of floral orange blossom. The palate is silky smooth with subtle coconut and peach notes providing layered complexity. This is a well-balanced wine with a zesty finish. The natural incorporation of mineral and saline notes promises a unique coastal style Chardonnay which will reward patient cellaring. Drink now with potential aging until 2027.

Awards: The Journey’s End V1 Chardonnay 2022 was honoured with a Top 10 Placing with 93 points in the 2023 Prescient Chardonnay Report convened by Winemag.co.za.

Retail price:  R195

JOURNEY’S END V3 SHIRAZ 2020

In the vineyard and the cellar: Shiraz grapes were hand harvested from a vineyard block that exhibits lower fertility with very concentrated dark and spicy fruit personality. 10% of the grapes underwent carbonic fermentation as whole bunches at 30˚C. The wine was matured in larger format barrels, a combination of French (10% new, 60% second and third fill) and American oak (5% new, 25% second and third fill) for 18 months.

Tasting notes: An expressive aromatic delivery of blackcurrants and violets with notes of white pepper and dried coriander. This wine showcases its carbonic component which added an element of playful candied fruit while softening the tannins for easy drinkability. Generous oak aging in larger format barrels allowed the vineyard character to shine, with great natural acidity and a silky long-lasting finish.

Retail price: R218

PURCHASE JOURNEY’S END V SERIES WINES

The Journey’s End V Series V1 Chardonnay, V2 Merlot, V3 Shiraz, V4 Cabernet Sauvignon and V5 Cabernet Franc are available for purchase at Journey’s End Vineyards cellar door, online at https://shop.journeysend.co.za/ and nationally at select fine wine merchants as well as at leading restaurants.

Approximate retail prices for the V Series wines range between R195 and R218.

MORE ON JOURNEY’S END’S SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND COMMUNITIY INITIATIVES

Journey’s End Vineyards has always been focused on ethically and sustainably producing excellent wines for all occasions. It was the second wine farm in South Africa to convert to solar power, doing so in 2014 and has been Fairtrade certified since 2017. In 2020, the Journey’s End Foundation was set up to help tackle worsening hunger and poverty in the local community. Since then, it has provided over 4 million meals to those in need. Journey’s End was recognised for this work as ‘Ethical Company of the Year’ at The Drinks Business Green Awards in both 2020 and 2021. Journey’s End also won the Water Management award in 2021. In addition, Journey’s End was recognized as a WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)Conservation Champion in 2021, a prestigious accreditation bestowed upon environmental leaders in the Cape Winelands. Journey’s End is also a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable and has achieved carbon negative status. The team believes in drinking well and growing forward, while truly being a force for good.

Journey’s End Vineyards, Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West 7130

Tel: 021 200 2698

Email: info@journeysend.co.za

Website: http://www.journeysend.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeysendwines

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JourneysEndWine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeysendwines/

Tasting and sales by appointment only: Monday Friday: 10h00 – 17h00