WHAT ARE the chances! Using grapes gown near Elim, Cape Agulhas, they top-scored in Winemag’s SA Shiraz roundup, and with grapes grown near Ceres they topped the charts first in the publication’s SA Pinot Noir review and then in their Prescient Chardonnay Report in which 65 South African producers participated. All in the same year! Congratulations to cellarmaster Charles Hopkins and his team at De Grendel Wine Estate in Panorama on the Durbanville Wine Route.

See below for the 10 South African Chardonnays considered better than excellent by the panel of judges comprising Christian Eedes (editor/chair), Roland Peens and James Pietersen (both of Cape Town merchant Wine Cellar). There were 93 entries. Average price overall: R162 per bottle. Average price of the top-rated wines: R233pb. Among the most highly recommended wines: an unwooded version from Stellenbosch Vineyards at R90pb!

For Winemag’s full 2019 Chardonny Report, click here.

RATED ‘OUTSTANDING’

Creation Reserve Chardonnay 2018
R310pb from the cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay 2018
R200pb from the cellar, Panorama

Delaire Graff Banghoek Reserve 2018
R255pb from Helshoogte cellar, Stellenbosch

Highlands Road Chardonnay 2017
R190pb from the cellar, Elgin

Journey’s End Chardonnay 2018
R165pb from the cellar, Sir Lowry’s Pass

Kershaw Chardonnay 2018
R570pb from the cellar, Elgin

Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2017
R275pb from the cellar, Elgin

Simonsig Chardonnay 2017
R115pb from the cellar, Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch Vineyards Unwooded Chardonnay 2018
R90pb from the cellar

Stellenrust Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2018
R160pb from Helderberg cellar, Stellenbosch