OH FOR A BOTTLE or a case of each! The panels of experts have spoken… See below for the honours roll when it comes to the South African Chardonnays most highly rated internationally during 2023 to date. Highlighted in red are those that qualified for the SA Wine Classification showcasing good track records over the past 10 years.
Almenkerk Chardonnay 2020
Trophy at SA Terroir Awards
R280pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Bartinney Hourglass Chardonnay 2021
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R495pb ex-cellar, Banghoek-Stellenbosch
Benguela Cove Chardonnay 2022
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R289pb ex-cellar, Bot River / Hermanus
Bon Courage Unwooded Chardonnay 2022
96 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R83pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Boschendal Elgin Chardonnay 2021
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R450pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Capensis Silene Chardonnay 2021
96 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
Trophy at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R350pb ex-producer, Banghoek-Stellenbosch
Delaire Graff Estate Banghoek Reserve Chardonnay 2022
97 points at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
95 points in International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R410pb ex-cellar, Banghoek-Stellenbosch
DeMorgenzon Reserve Chardonnay 2019
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R430pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch Kloof
Gabriel & Gysbert Ijsland Chardonnay 2022
95 points in Gilbert & Gaillard Challenge (FR)
R250pb ex-producer, Bonnievale
Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2021
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R285pb ex-cellar, Constantia
Iona Chardonnay 2021
Among Best in Show – 97 points – at Decanter Awards (UK)
R375pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Lothian Chardonnay 2021
96 points at Decanter Awards (UI)
R370pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Mont Rochelle Miko Chardonnay 2018
Trophy at International Wine & Spirit Competition
R400pb ex-cellar, Franschhoek
Nederburg Manor House Chardonnay 2021
One of Top 10 Gold medallists at Chardonnay du Monde (FR)
Gold medal at Concours Mondial (BE)
Gold medal at Mundus Vini (DE)
R135pb ex-cellar, Paarl
Nederburg Winemasters Chardonnay 2022
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R90pb ex-cellar, Paarl
Neil Ellis White Hall Chardonnay 2021
97 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
R235pb ex-cellar on Helshoogte in Stellenbosch (Elgin grapes)
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2021
Trophy at International Wine Challenge (UK)
95 points at Decanter Awards (UK)
Best in Class at National Wine Challenge (SA)
R950pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2022
95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R210pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Survivor Cellar Master Series Chardonnay 2022
Best White Wine Overall – 98 points – at Trophy Wine Show (SA)
R370pb from Overhex cellar in Worcester (Swartland grapes)
Sutherland Chardonnay 2021
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R190pb from Thelema cellar in Stellenbosch (Elgin grapes)
Thelema Chardonnay 2020
95 points at International Wine Challenge (UK)
R220pb ex-cellar, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Vriesenhof Chardonnay 2021
95 points in Winemag Report (SA)
R240pb ex-cellar, Stellenbosch
Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2020
95 points at International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK)
R405pb ex-cellar, Hermanus
Also most highly rated in 2023:
• Top Cabernet Sauvignon SA
• Top Chenin Blanc SA
• Top Pinotage
• Top Sauvignon Blanc SA
• Top Shiraz/Syrah SA
• Top Red Blends SA
• Top White Blends SA
