Rustenberg, Five Soldiers Chardonnay, Stellenbosch

Tasted blind, thought northern Rhone region. Really good Chardonnay, old world elegance from SA, going to buy some bottles.

Rich, generous, offering much Burgundy charm, of flint stone, honey, mango, walnut, raisin, citrus notes as well as hints of orange peel and banana. Always a pleasure. Drink now and over the coming 2-3 years.

This one definitely can keep up with Burgundy‘s finest. Very balanced Chardonnay. Wonderful intense on the nose. On the palate butter, bit of extremely well integrated oaky notes of vanilla and ripe peach. OUTSTANDING finish that lasts forever. Nice balance between burgundy style and the rather opulent new world style. So far my favourite Chardonnay by far .

Excellent South African Chardonnay but I certainly understand my friend who suggested Meursault at a good village level when tasting this blind. Pale lemon gold, and a nice combination of melon and toast on the nose which followed through onto the palate in addition to citrus and butter. Medium in body, which is where I discounted Meursault, but enjoying finish. Should survive well for years to come.

On holiday. Screw-cap. Drank and sampled over 24 hours. Appearance is clear, pale intensity, lemon colour. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of toasty oak, honeyed nuttiness, ripe citrus lemon, ripe peach, some flint reduction that blows off. Golden yellow flowers with more air. Developing. On the palate, dry, fatty medium+ acidity seemingly dipping to medium at times, medium+ alcohol (14%), full body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of very ripe peach, ripe citrus lemon, green honeydew melon, …