Chardonnay

The  Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Chardonnay  specifically hails from the  Hemel-en-Aarde  valley, one of the most thrilling regions for cultivating the  chardonnay  varietal in South Africa. The vines are planted in sandy and decomposed granite soils, enjoying a cool and moderate climate where mountain ranges channel oceanic breezes. There is a constant effort to preserve the land's unique biodiversity, eradicating exotic plants and weeds while implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The grapes are hand-harvested and transported to the winery in refrigerated trucks. There, the fruit is...

Tim Atkin 91 points. A classic example of fine Stellenbosch Chardonnay, this wine shows stone fruit aromas of nectarine and peach with subtle citrus hints and creamy oak. The palate has bright acidity and limey freshness, but delivers rich texture and a chalky, mineral length. The vines used to produce DMZ Chardonnay are selected from premium sites in Stellenbosch at elevations ranging between 100 to 300 meters above sea level. Close proximity to the ocean provides a beneficial cooling effect. Weathered granite and sandstone soils contribute minerality and freshness, respectively.

Tim Atkin 93 points. Golden with green hues. Hot toasted brioche with zesty marmalade. Backbone of lime and lemongrass with floral notes of honeysuckle and frangipani on the palate. Warm, rich vanilla and a creamy almond finish. 2019 was a cooler vintage than the previous hot and dry years.   Whilst the vineyards benefited from decent winter rainfall there were some latent stress effects from the previous year’s drought conditions. This resulted in some uneven budding and careful harvesting was necessary to achieve a total pick of optimum ripeness. Cool conditions during the early part of the ripening resulted in high acidities...

Tasting Notes Very bright pale-yellow colour with green, vivacious hue. Complex, appealing nose of apricot, peach, pear, lemon zest and floral notes with hints of toasted almonds. On the palate the wine is well structured and linear but retains generous focused stone fruit flavours with sleek, balanced, and crisp acidity. The wine remains vivacious and fresh on the finish with clean citrus fruit underpinned by minerality. The wine has a long, very pleasant lingering finish.   Ageing Potential Ageing potential of up to six years, provided wine is stored in ideal cellar conditions.  

Decanter World Wine Awards 92 points. The Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay is traditionally barrel-fermented, and with juicy, peachy fruit and a combination of factors from the vineyard adding complexity, wild yeast and careful barrel age, it offers balance, expression and value in every vintage. A ripe medium, full-bodied and well-balanced wine, with hints of flint, beautiful mineral notes and excellent oak integration. Apricot and orange-peel aromas are followed by flavours of almond and marzipan.