THE TROPHY winner, the best white wine from South Africa at the 2024 International Wine Challenge in London, UK – one of the biggest, one of the most prestigious wine shows in the world. The release of the 2022 Chardonnay from Lothian of Elgin came months after the Wilson family was presented with their award, having held off until clearing their shelves of the 2021 vintage, in itself a wonderful wine that earned scores of 95+ at the International Wine Challenge as well as at the Decanter World Wine Awards (UK) and the Trophy Wine Show (SA). And the 2022 isn't the first Lothian Chardonnay to win a trophy at international level for the Wilsons, who also pulled off the feat with the 2017 vintage in the 2019 edition of the Challenge.
Much of the kudos for this success story goes to the winemakers and their teams in the vineyards and cellar, but no doubt they and the proprietors are singing the praises of where they're located. As a matter of fact, looking at the Chardonnay candidates for South Africa's White Wines of the Year in 2024, there are more that originated in Elgin than in any other patch of the Cape winelands.
LOTHIAN CHARDONNAY 2022
WO Elgin. Grapes hand-harvested from six trellised, south-facing blocks 280m above sea level, not far from the Atlantic Ocean – vines planted in 2005 (sandstone soil). Fruit whole-bunch pressed and the juice left in contact with the grape skins before natural fermentation (wild yeast) that began in stainless-steel tanks and finished in 228L French/Burgundy barrels (tight grain and medium-light toasting) during which there was a period of bâtonnage (stirring of the lees). 11 months barrel-maturation before light filtration and and bottling. 22 months bottle-maturation before release. Winemakers: Richard Kershaw MW and Dudley Wilson.
Alc 13.5 | RS 2.3 | TA 6.4 | pH 3.3
International Wine Challenge Judges' Tasting Notes: Youthful, focussed, vibrant, pithy Chardonnay, with power and reserve. Subtle oak with top notes of lemon curd, grapefruit and wet stone, with a long, lingering finish. One to keep.
Winemakers' Tasting Notes: Pale yellow. Delicate aromas merge lemon curd, tangerine, wet stone, toasted spices and orange peel. On the palate: a creamy oatmeal texture balanced by crisp, fresh acidity woven into pithy grip that fills with orange and grapefruit, salted lemons and crushed almonds… A lasting finish that tickles at Drambuie, lemon zest, honeysuckle and pineapple. Excellent ageing potential.
R385pb ex-cellar.
