Hogan ‘The Galvanised’ Chardonnay 2023

Hogan Wines erupted on to the scene with the debut release of the 2014 Chenin Blanc at Cape Wine 2015. This is where Jocelyn and I first met. I had only been running Ex Animo for 18 months at that point (we too turn 10 this year) and several people in the wine industry who I respect immensely suggested that I seek her out. It wasn’t a very long tasting nor conversation before Hogan Wines was a part of Ex Animo.

When selecting a producer to represent there are many factors to consider: quality, price, volumes, typicity, marketability, etc. I remember not really being phased by any of those as I was spellbound by how much flavour and character she crammed in that small glass of Chenin. This is still a characteristic that I love about Jocelyn’s wines; the crystalline purity and depth of them.

The 2023 vintage at Hogan has blessed us with an extra couple of wines beyond the normal. The core range consists of the original Swartland Chenin Blanc from the Paardeberg, The Galvanised Chardonnay from high altitude vineyards in Banhoek, the supremely perfumed Mirror For The Sun Cabernet Franc from Stellenbosch, and the Divergent, a beguiling and intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault.

The additions this year are the return of The Lift, a unique multi-vintage blend of Chenin Blanc that has been aged in flor-affected barrels, and a new wine, a straight Carignan from Wellington full of crunch and purity.