Journeys End Destination Chardonnay 2024

Journey’s End Wines is situated on the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg in Stellenbosch, just a few kilometres from False Bay. That proximity to the ocean plays a defining role in the style of the wines, bringing cooler growing conditions that help preserve natural acidity and build detail into the fruit. The estate has become particularly respected for Chardonnay, where the balance between ripe Cape fruit and restrained Old World structure is carefully managed.

Destination Chardonnay is Journey’s End’s flagship white wine and has become a benchmark expression of the estate’s coastal terroir. The wine is produced from carefully selected vineyard parcels planted in Tukulu and Oakleaf soils, with grapes harvested from different sides of the trellis at separate times to build layers of freshness and ripeness. In the cellar, the wine undergoes a minimal intervention approach with maturation in French oak barrels and extended lees contact to develop texture without losing precision. The result is a Chardonnay inspired by the classic wines of Meursault, interpreted through a distinctly Stellenbosch lens.

Colour:
Bright gold with a youthful straw hue and subtle green reflections.

Nose:
Concentrated aromas of peach, nectarine and citrus peel lead the nose, followed by layers of lemongrass, tropical fruit, toasted almond and gentle smoky spice from oak maturation.

Palate:
The palate is textured and creamy without becoming heavy, showing ripe stone fruit, lemon curd and subtle vanilla notes balanced by vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral line. Lees ageing adds breadth and mouthfeel, while restrained oak keeps the wine focused and composed.

Finish:
Long and persistent, with lingering citrus, creamy oak spice and a saline freshness that carries through the finish.