EVERY REGION of the winelands has its champions and in Robertson, when it comes to Chardonnay, number one is De Wetshof Estate – close to the Breede River, alongside the R317 to Bonnievale. With no fewer than five classy versions that have received good reviews consistently to the point of inclusion within the SA Wine Classification, the De Wet family and their team have succeeded with a collection that extends from the unwooded anytime Limestone Hill to the single-vineyard flagship likened to a majestic eagle in respect of its beauty, power and grace.

Recently, it’s the top-of-the-range Bateleur that the critics have found to be particularly impressive in its class. Following gold medals for the 2017 vintage at the Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK and Mundus Vini in Germany, the current-release 2018 repeated the feat at both Mundus Vini and the Veritas Awards (SA) before scoring 96 at the 2021 Decanter Awards.

As they say: “With its crisp white buildings, rose bushes and jacaranda trees, the Estate has become a well-known landmark.” Thousands of wine lovers visit the winery each year, and when the De Wets can be persuaded not to close their doors to the public on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, the destination is sure to become even more popular!

DE WETSHOF BATELEUR CHARDONNAY 2018
WO Robertson. From single 3.5ha vineyard, 28 years old, trellised, with supplementary, computerised irrigation systems. Barrel fermentation and maturation: 12 months in French oak.
Alc 13 | RS 2.3 | TA 6.9 | pH 3.2
Decanter Tasting Notes: “Fine and alluring with limestone and wet slate, lemon cream, lime peel and a vanilla pod kiss. A long, distinguished finish with nutty oatmeal flavours.”
Producer’s Tasting Notes: “Citrus and pear-drop notes are complemented by an intriguing nuttiness, with elegant citrus on the finish.” 6 – 12 years maturation potential.
Producer’s Pairing Recommendation: “Bateleur can be enjoyed with leg of lamb and other roasted red meat dishes.”
R572pb ex-cellar.