| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
Glistening lemon colour in the glass, the nose here is distinctly savoury, layering succulent stone fruits with whipped butter and unpopped corn kernels. The palate is glossy on entry, ripe in its fruit core but again superbly balanced with an underlying savoury depth. The textural silkiness is matched by a vibrant, chalky energy, leaving the interplay between fruit and buttery, brioche-y flavours to expand to the finish. Intense, layered and simply delicious, this is a superb South African Chardonnay that would fool many into guessing it as Burgundy when tasted blind. Drink it now, or over the coming decade. Outstanding for the money.
White apricots, peaches, hazelnuts and cream on the nose. Textured and creamy, with a medium to full body and deliciously fleshy white stone fruit. Lemon rind freshness at the end. Excellent concentration. 516 cases produced. Drink or hold.
Sappy, fragrant, citrus notes on the nose with white peach and pear fruit on the palate. Fleshy texture but all kept in check with crisp acidity and a cool palate feel. Hannes Storm's objective is to craft site specific wines, with 516 cases produced here in the Valley. Vines face north-east on slopes of stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale. 25% new oak used. Another fine wine from Storm, very well judged in the warmer 2022 vintage. 2025 - 2029
With a fresh and mineral-driven nose, the 2022 Vrede Chardonnay opens with gorgeous lemon pastry cream essences, oak spices and hints of yellow apples and Meyer lemon. Medium-bodied, the wine expands on the palate with surprising weight and freshness that remains constant as it uncoils and opens with elegance and finesse that has me coming back for more. Lingering with succulently sweet citrus and yellow apple tones, this beautiful Chardonnay ends with a spicy, food-friendly finish. Chardonnay lovers, you'll want to add this to your cellar. Just under 3,100 bottles were produced after resting for eight months in 30% new French oak. Drink 2023-2035.
I love the nose on this – it's so vivid and mouth-watering. Dried apricots. Peaches, peach skin, quince. So much texture! Like ruched silk. So many layers. Dusty, intense, yuzu and fragrant. It reminds me, somehow, of an apple orchard – the freshness, the sweetness, light and unshowy beauty. 2024-2033.
