X Novo stands out with a notably diverse 15 clones of Pinot noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay thoughtfully interwoven and densely planted in this tiny three-and-a-half acre site. Located in an area known as Spring Valley, X Novo sits on the edge of the Holmes Gap, where the Van Duzer winds funnel through the rolling hills. Perched at 525 feet in elevation, this captivating site reveals extremely rocky clays known as Gelderman.
94 Points Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate: "The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2011 in volcanic soils. It fermented and matured in 80% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months and finished with three months in stainless steel. It releases wafts of matchstick, cinnamon and spice before revealing a core of apple pie. The light-bodied palate is taut and shimmery with full, spicy flavors and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3–5 years to harmonize in bottle. 425 cases were made."
95 Points Eric Guido, Vinous: "The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard is rich, wafting up with a confectionary sweetness balanced by hints of crushed stone and peach sorbet. It's silky and round with medium-bodied weight and vividly ripe orchard fruits, all guided by juicy acidity. The 2022 is weightier and more concentrated than expected, yet with an energy and mineral intensity to balance, leaving a salty flourish and silty tannins to linger on."
X Novo stands out with a notably diverse 15 clones of Pinot noir and 20 clones of Chardonnay thoughtfully interwoven and densely planted in this tiny three-and-a-half acre site. Located in an area known as Spring Valley, X Novo sits on the edge of the Holmes Gap, where the Van Duzer winds funnel through the rolling hills. Perched at 525 feet in elevation, this captivating site reveals extremely rocky clays known as Gelderman.
94 Points Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate: "The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard comes from vines planted in 2011 in volcanic soils. It fermented and matured in 80% new, 350- and 500-liter barrels for 12 months and finished with three months in stainless steel. It releases wafts of matchstick, cinnamon and spice before revealing a core of apple pie. The light-bodied palate is taut and shimmery with full, spicy flavors and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3–5 years to harmonize in bottle. 425 cases were made."
95 Points Eric Guido, Vinous: "The 2022 Chardonnay X Novo Vineyard is rich, wafting up with a confectionary sweetness balanced by hints of crushed stone and peach sorbet. It's silky and round with medium-bodied weight and vividly ripe orchard fruits, all guided by juicy acidity. The 2022 is weightier and more concentrated than expected, yet with an energy and mineral intensity to balance, leaving a salty flourish and silty tannins to linger on."
