Rich & Oaky

DuMOL Estate Chardonnay 2016 “The 2016 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard is rich and creamy, with a hint of reduction that adds an intriguing upper register of freshness. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and chalk are nicely woven throughout. The Estate is a wonderfully complete Chardonnay from DuMol that will drink well for many years to come. Drinking window: 2019-2026. 95 points Andy Smith and his team turned out a brilliant set of wines in 2017. The harvest was especially condensed, with most days seeing heavy picks of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay pretty much concurrently. Smith told me the DuMOL parcels were affected by a high incidence of shot berries, which naturally lowered yields. Small berries, often with no seeds, further resulted in a collection of dense wines. Smith told me low alcohol conversions resulted in wines with a bit lower alcohol than is typical. That is fascinating, as the wines are quite rich in feel. The bottled 2016s are just as compelling from bottle as they were last year from barrel.”

Ataraxia Chardonnay 2023 An epitome of South African wine, this soil-driven Chardonnay is New World in provenance but Old World in stylistic leaning. Athletic in structure, it effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense. It is vibrant and spicy, with alluring creamy notes. An assertive mineral acidity beautifully balances a compelling intensity of fruit. There is a surprising touch of “grip” to the finish deftly rounded off with complex savoury, briny, and flinty notes. A stylish, world-class Chardonnay.

Kara-Tara Chardonnay 2022 is made with grapes from Stellenbosch, Paarl, Overberg and Elgin. Partially fermented in new oak barrels, this wine has a firm acidity and balances a nuttiness with stone fruit flavours. 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW After the highly acclaimed 2021, all eyes were on Rudger van Wyk to see what magic he could pull out the hat with the 2022 Kara-Tara release. Made from grapes sourced from four sites in three regions, namely Stellenbosch, Elgin and the Overberg, this wine has all the trappings of a cool climate masterpiece clearly moulded on a fresh vintage of Pouilly Fuissé or Saint Veran in Burgundy. Matured for eight months in barrels utilising 10% new oak, the wine reveals an attractively perfumed nose of honey suckle, white citrus, lemon verbena, popcorn, grated lime peel, zingy lemongrass and gentle herbal notes that intermingle with subtle leesy, biscuity nuances. On the palate there are deliciously racy acids that invigorate the taste buds, framing an intense yellow citrus fruit and oatmeal concentration that melts into a stony river pebble minerality. Fabulous laser sharp texture with a fine, linear cool climate precision, majestic crystallinity and a classically restrained finish. White Burgundy drinkers are going to be bowled over by its light touch 12.5% alcohol as well as its decidedly old world demeanour. Drink this on release and over the next 3 to 5+ years.

Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2023 Intense aromas of citrus blossom, apricot, and vanilla that are complemented by subtle hints of oak and cinnamon. On the palate, flavors of ripe peach, crisp apple, and pear mingle with a creamy texture and a bright acidity, producing a wine that is both elegant and refreshing. The grapes used to make the wine are sourced from the finest vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountains in South Africa, where conditions are ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality. Perfect for pairing with seafood, white meats, or creamy cheeses, Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay is a sophisticated and delightful wine that will impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. BLEND: 100% Chardonnay

Muratie Isabella Chardonnay 2023 is a fresh and elegant wine with its peach-blossom fragrance, the aim is to evoke those bedtime butterfly kisses of their beautiful baby girl, so the oaking (10 months in this case) is subtle, serving only to spice the stone fruit, melon and citrus flavours with hints of hazelnuts and vanilla cream. It’s beautifully delicate and understated, with a pure, slightly piquant and lingering ‘mineral’ finish promising great charm well beyond the toddler years.