Chardonnay Reserve, Greyton, 2022
The Chardonnay was the first of the Estate Reserve wines that Samantha made. Her affinity with the variety has made it one of the best and most consistent examples in the South African market. The 2022 has a structured, stony feel which underpins a wash of smooth, plush white fruits, honey and salted butter. It was a little reticent on first taste, requiring a bit of time to open up; its concentration and quality plain to see. We’d wager that this will be a good bet over the next five to ten years. Barrel fermented and aged in 500L Burgundy barrels for 11 months, 25% of which was new. Bottled at 12.5% alcohol.
critic reviews
The 2022 Chardonnay Reserve comprises fruit from the Greyton homestead, which is oxidatively handled and fermented for 11 months in 500-liter barrels (25% new). After swirling to address the reduction, it reveals concentrated scents of dried honey, melted candle wax, orange blossom and a touch of grilled walnut. The palate is well-balanced with mineral-infused, slightly tropical fruit: quince and hints of guava that merge into a more mineral-driven taut finish. Quite a multi-faceted Chardonnay, this will age with style and panache. If that Corton-Charlemagne is a bit over-priced…and it probably is…then you know where to come.