2021 Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
It's thanks to the barrel fermentation, presumably, that the wine smells seductively like melktert (milk tart) on the nose, but the broad, bold, mouth-watering sweep and wash of oranges and clementines is what fills every corner of the palate. Flavour glittering on the thousand foils of acidity. Molecules of smokiness and black cardamom and even something a little medicinal. So much integrity and taut structure, humming with pent-up energy. It's a wine that is probably going to give oodles of pleasure no matter when you decide to open it. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Fresh, ripe and with a soft notion of oatmeal, the 2021 Chardonnay offers aromas of crunchy, Golden Delicious apple with sweet citrus and hints of white flowers. Medium-bodied and showing elegance with grace, the palate offers a long, mineral-laced mouthfeel with a bright, fresh focus that has me returning for more. Enjoy with food.
The 2021 Chardonnay comes from a cool vineyard known as "Siberia" (shared with Newton-Johnson) in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, whole bunch pressed with 11 months on the lees. It has a more mineral-driven bouquet with a light fumé element in the background. The palate is very well balanced with fine weight and an almost honeyed texture on the entry. There is a keen thread of acidity with just a dab of stem ginger that enlivens the finish. Classy and seductive.
Pale gold in color with soft oak essences and fresh lemon pastry cream, the 2021 Valkyrie Chardonnay offers aromas of yellow apples, vanilla and white peach. Medium-bodied, with a crisp, clean and creamy mouthfeel, the wine has a rich and elegant expression with a delightfully soft mineral tension. The wine concludes with succulent acidity and fresh lemon curd essence. It's utterly wonderful and world-class.