Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

"Very exciting for Chardonnay" is how Chris Mullineux describes this False Bay-influenced corner of the Helderberg and it's hard to disagree. Wild flower aromas lead into a palate that's concentrated yet pithy, with lovely texture, toasty 30% new oak and a mineral core.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 96/100

'The 2019 Chardonnay is a very serious contender for one of the top Chardonnays produced in South Africa along with a very small handful of obsessive producers. This Stellenbosch 2019 is full of power and focus with all the hallmark purity that Andrea Mullineux prides herself in. The aromatics are reminiscent of granitic river pebbles immersed in lemon cordial with a dusting of honey, toffee apples, lemon grass and dried baking herbs. Always brilliantly pure, crystalline and electric, the palate shows tremendous tension and linearity supported by astonishing fruit concentration and intensity. The balance and harmony are spellbinding, revealing sip after sip, the true pedigree of this wonderful Helderberg vineyard site in the hands of a masterful winemaker. Undoubtedly comparable to the very best Chardonnay expressions produced by Leeu Passant to date, this 2019 seems to pack an extra level of lemon and lime intensity making it already an incredibly appealing fine wine. Give this vintage at least three years from release in your cellar and then drink over 10+.' – Greg Sherwood MW, 96/100 (Jun 2021)

'The 2019 Chardonnay has a beautifully defined bouquet of mineral-driven citrus fruit and orange blossom, plus light hazelnut scents in the background. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, good concentration, and exactly the right amount of bitterness on the finish to counter the richness and beckon you back for another sip. This is a brilliant Chardonnay and it tasted even better 24 hours after opening. Drink 2021-2030.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Nov 2021)

'Grapes from a Helderberg vineyard. Spontaneous fermentation before maturation lasting 20 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, 30% new. A top note of struck match before peach and citrus plus hints of vanilla and oak spice. The palate is rich and smooth textured – hugely concentrated, tangy acidity lending drive. Hard-hitting and yet marked by exactness. As grand and impressive as ever.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 (Jun 2021)