Lelie van Saron Chardonnay 2021

Alcohol levels have been creeping up for years, yet the 2021 Lelie van Saron still only weighs in at 12.8%. Reminds me of Burgundy 20 years ago. Astonishingly focused, aromatic, intense, precise, powerful and decadent. Decadent is a dirty word in wine nowadays, but let’s be honest; great chardonnay is extravagant. From a vineyard in the cool Cape hinterland of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. Extremely aromatic and complex with melon, pawpaw, pumpkin seed, jasmine, honeysuckle, spicy oak and a mix of stone fruits. Focused and intense, deep, compact and coiled, with time in the glass and a bit of air it unfurls, gaining richness, as the reins of tight oak and scintillating acidity, slacken. Just a little. Lovely flow, for all its presence, so easy to drink, and always a new flavour, sensation or refinement of texture. Waters Wine Co 

This low-alcohol (12.8%) 2021 Chardonnay has all that I seek in a fine Chardonnay: an attractively mineral nose with both tension and fruit as well as real focus and balance that promise well for the future. I gave it a score of 17 out of 20 and reckon it will continue to improve for up to another five years. Jancis Robinson – Read More