Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

2015
'The new vintage of Craig and Anne Wessels' Chardonnay is a revelation and takes its place among the very best Cape interpretations of the grape. Subtle, focused and very minerally, with just a touch of oak, latent power and a core of citrus-tinged acidity. It wouldn't look out of place in a line up of Corton-Charlemagnes. Drink: 2016-25.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 96/100

'Delicate, creamy citrus with high acid to balance. Intense, zesty and needs time - all too primary at the moment and not fully meshed but has all the ingredients in place for a longer future. (The 2008 that Craig Wessels gave me blind - it's no longer available - was delicious, though I took it to be it a mature Sémillon.) Deep and long.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Oct 2017)

'2015 shows more expressive intensity and richness than fine 2014 (5 stars, 95 pts), but lovely acid line keeps flavour depth and breadth in delicious and harmonious balance and control. Subtle oaking - just 5% new. Long-lingering, succulent lime-centred finish. These also in larger formats.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93 pts)

2016
'Fine single-vineyard wine beautifully composed in classic style. 2016 pure, expressive lime intensity, underlying nutty richness harmonised, endlessly lengthened by savoury tension. Oak enhanced, 5% new. Texture, structure & balance ensure future pleasure.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 5* (95 pts)

'Is this the most Burgundian of Cape Chardonnays? It certainly wouldn't look out place in a line up of Corton-Charlemagnes. Barrel-fermented in 5% new wood, with some malolactic in 2016 (unusual for Craig Wessels), it's a crunchy, pithy, citrus-edged wine with flinty, smoky, grapefruit and oatmeal flavours and a remarkably long finish. 2018-25.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

2017
'The 2017 Chardonnay Ava Marie has a fragrant bouquet with touches of lemon rind, peach skin and an oily scent that is quite potent and attractive. The palate is vibrant on the entry with a tang of orange rind and marmalade, very intense with touches of mint and sage. It fans out nicely on the finish - an excellent Chardonnay that should drink well over the next decade and more.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2022)

'Five pickings from a single-vineyard, natural ferment in oak, aged in a mix of barrel, amphora, and stainless steel. 2017 has thrilling tension, purity and complexity in spice-edged, ripe lime flavours. Texture is as important; density and fine grip will ensure a long lifespan.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (97/100) - Chardonnay of the Year

'Craig Wessels picks this two-hectare block in five stages to achieve maximum balance and complexity. Large barrel and amphora-fermented, it's a stunning, elegantly refined Chardonnay with understated oak, some cinnamon spice, good texture and a fresh, citrus peel finish. One of the Cape's best Chardonnays.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100

'Charming purity of fruit, very mineral and balanced. The subtle nose evokes fresh white fruits, hints of light toast and white sesame. The palate is crystalline. Great texture and length. Savory and saline, this Chardonnay is magnificent.' - La Revue du Vin de France, 2020 - 18.5/20

'Delicate, creamy citrus with high acid to balance. Intense, zesty and needs time - all too primary at the moment and not fully meshed but has the ingredients in place for a longer future. (The 2008 that Craig gave me blind - it's no longer available - was delicious, though I took it to be a mature Sémillon.) Deep and long.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20

'Pear, lemon and a hint of oatmeal on the nose and palate but much more about structure than aromatics or primary flavour. It possesses intensity without being heavy or bulky and great length on the finish. Delicate and yet super-detailed, just beautifully poised, this vintage is the finest to date and firmly among the best examples in the country.' - Winemag, Christian Eedes - 96/100