Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2010:
‘Outstanding barrel-fermented version, consistently among SA’s best. 2010 slowly unveils its charms: creamy lime/lemon notes give way to spicier cardamom, fenugreek and fennel. Pure fruit, taut acidity meld with tempered oak tannins, controlled savoury finish. Will please for many years.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012, 4.5*

‘Lush and inviting, with layers of fig, persimmon, mango and creamed Jonagold apple fruit, all supported by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and length to the finish. More cut and length than just weight in the end.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2012)

2011:
‘This white cuts a bold swath, delivering flavors of dried Jonagold apple, fig, creamed pear, hazelnut and persimmon. Creamy and lush, held together by a finely beaded spine of acidity, with strong minerality kicking in on the lengthy finish. Showy and suave, yet balanced. Drink now through 2018.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Jun 2013)

‘Still in its infancy, this is a white that deserves some time in the cellar to truly harmonize and shine. Currently, it's rich and woody, with assertive notes of creamy pear, apricot, red apple flesh, honeycomb and baking spice. The round and lush mouthfeel offers additional flavors of mango and orange oil, lifted by a fine thread of acidity. Toasty spice lingers on the finish; drink after 2014.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Mar 2014)

2012:
‘Perennial star in SA’s Chardonnay firmament, always paying homage to Montrachet with its sleek lines, layered complexity. Poised 2012 is a worthy follow-up to the stately 2011. Taut and pure, with deft oak framing lime-lemon fruit. 7% fermented in clay amphoras and in tank. Will richly reward cellaring.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 5*

‘Sophisticated smoke and subtle ‘cool’ but fully ripe Chardonnay. Burgundians, watch out! There is even a little chewy reticence here, but admirable restraint. Much subtler than some earlier vintages with lime juice streaked through it. But nothing remotely ‘tropical’ about it. Appetising.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jun 2014)

‘Good full yellow. Wonderfully complex aromas of pear, wild herbs, sweet butter, smoke and tropical fruits; showed an iodiney minerality with air. Concentrated and harmonious but firm-edged, with brisk lemony acidity framing the very youthful flavors of stone fruits and minerals. Conveys a powerful impression of intensity without weight, like the best white Burgundies. Very young but smooth on the long, peach aftertaste. Outstanding potential here for a chardonnay that is often South Africa's best.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93+/100 (May 2013)

2013:
‘Long-established, consistently ageworthy SA classic, notable for taut structure, minerality, subtle lime and oatmeal complexity. Supremely elegant 2013 tantalises with all these, even in youth. As with the 2012 (5 stars) and previous vintages, age will deliver even more complexity and satisfaction.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*

‘Gorgeous, with Jonagold apple and white peach fruit at the core, flanked by mirabelle plum, honeysuckle and heather notes. The long finish ripples with minerality as the fruit drapes beautifully. Should cellar well.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2014)

‘Year in year out, this is one of the Cape’s best Chardonnays. It’s a lovely mix between New World fruit sweetness and Old World acidity and minerality. Subtle, graceful and gently oaked, this is tighter and more focused, with more pronounced acdity, notes of citrus, pear and oatmeal and a refined, linear finish. Drink: 2014-20’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2014, 94/100