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...

TEXSOM Awaeds 2025, Platinum Medal.  IWSC 2025, Gold Medal/ 97 points. “Perfumed precision on the nose with enticing stone fruit, almond milk, and a touch of flint. On the palate, the creamy, buttery texture unfolds with notes of white peach, caramel, and a touch of nuttiness. This elegant experience culminates in a dense, mineral finish that lingers beautifully,' Judges Panel IWSC, 2025.     From the dramatic slopes of Delaire Graff Estate, this Chardonnay is as multifaceted as the setting of its vineyards.  Meticulous vineyard management, combined with exceptional terroir, yields fruit of superb...

VITICULTURE Chardonnay grapes sourced from the magnificent Tierhoek property high in the mountains of Piekenierskloof, at 760 meters above sea level on loam soils, with the cold Atlantic ocean moderating the summer days. The diurnal difference between warm days and cool nights on account of the elevation creates a wine of intensity and focus while retaining freshness and purity. VINIFICATION Hand harvested and cooled overnight, this was whole-bunch pressed very gently directly to seasoned French Oak barrels and terracotta eggs and doliums. Partial un-innoculated fermentation in barrel and clay followed by malolactic fermentation and elevage...

95 points Tim Atkin, 4½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide, TASTING NOTES: Citrus with lanolin, hay and tropical fruits on the bouquet. Also very subtle toasty, brioche notes. The palate is plush on entry, rich and melded yet shows a fine acidity that provides a perfect balance to the wine. A restrained elegance and lingering aftertaste completes the wine.   The Eleanor Chardonnay honours the matriarch of the Finlayson family who, with her husband Maurice, owned Hartenberg Estate (then "Montagne") from 1948 to 1977. Strong and resolute in character, yet always sophisticated and poised, who better personifies our...

The Eleanor Chardonnay honours the matriarch of the Finlayson family who, with her husband Maurice, owned Hartenberg Estate (then "Montagne") from 1948 to 1977. Strong and resolute in character, yet always sophisticated and poised, who better personifies our super-premium Chardonnay? TASTING NOTES: The bouquet is flush with fresh aromas of citrus and lanolin, finishing on an enticing floral note. The aroma evolves in glass, developing hints of pastries. The citrus freshness carries through to an elegant and balanced palate. Good acidity met by biscotti and stone fruit and a long finish. TECHNICAL & PRODUCTION: Barrel Ageing 11...

James Suckling " A creamy chardonnay that has notes of baked apples, lemons, custard, nutmeg and some vanilla. It’s full-bodied, soft and creamy with a fresh finish. Drink now."   Winery Note: Already known for our world-class Shiraz, it seems our Chardonnay is Hartenberg’s white grape star, with its consistency in ratings and awards. Grapes were handpicked in the early morning of each of the 7 days of picking so as to capture the subtle primary flavours that the variety offers. Every batch from each of the morning picks as well as those of the individual parcels were kept separate in the cellar so as to aid...

THE WINE: An expression of what Hartenberg Estate is able to do with Chardonnay in a younger, modern and upfront wine style, fermented in stainless steel, sans wood. The Chardonnay fruit includes younger parcels of the grape which are wonderfully expressive and offer earlier accessibility. TASTING NOTE: Fresh and expressive, the wine opens with aromas of apple, pear, citrus, and floral notes. The palate is zesty yet generous, offering vibrant flavours of apple and pear, lifted by a zesty lime finish. Approachable, with plenty of character.

Jamie Goode 95 points. "This comes from Quarry and Oakleaf. Wonderful aromatics here with very fine toasty notes as well as powerful lime, pineapple and lemon. Malolactic is down to 10% and the Quarry component is new, and there’s some blonde toast on the barrels, so the style has changed quite a bit. The palate is energetic but rich with lemon and white peach as well as some spiciness. Nice intensity here with a mineral twist and keen acidity. Such poise and purpose with potential for development. 95/100" Tim Atkin 93 points. Tasting Notes Very bright pale-yellow colour with green, vivacious hue. Complex, appealing nose of...

Grapes from a Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyard planted in 2019. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. The nose is alluring with top notes of flowers and herbs before lemon and grapefruit, as wells as a touch of flinty reduction for added complexity. The palate is taut and focused, with superb fruit concentration, electric acidity and a long, saline finish. A wine of striking clarity and energy. Alc: 13%. CE’s rating: 97/100.   Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Production 542 cases (of 12). Release date April 2025 JUSTERINI & BROOKS TASTING NOTE Floral and citrusy with a tangerine and fresh peach finish. Silky and...

Grapes from a Hemel-en-Aarde Valley vineyard planted in 2015. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 31% new. Lemon and orange to the fore, with subtle struck-match reduction and hints of vanilla and spice on the nose. The palate shows remarkable power despite an alcohol of just 12.71% – dense, compact fruit offset by acidity that can only be described as thrillingly sour, the finish long and savoury. Lovely texture and impressive layering of flavour. CE’s rating: 96/100.     Storm Vrede Chardonnay 2024 Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Production 365 cases (of 12). Release date April 2025.   Vrede...