Vilafonté winemaker Martin Smith has started his own label called Paserene, first release being a Chardonnay 2013 (R300 a bottle).
From Elgin fruit, the wine underwent spontaneous fermentation before maturation in old oak, lasting 16 months. It’s classically styled with notes of lemon, vanilla, oatmeal and a little spice. Substantial but not overdone with layers of flavour and good balance. Nice creamy mouthfeel before a gently savoury, almost pithy finish. An accomplished debut.
Score: 91/100.
Shot for that ear worm on that caption! I was also super impressed by this wine – I do suppose it may be misunderstood by the majority though.
Wow – I didn’t expect you to like it. We loved it, but I thought you’d be put off by the creamy mouthfeel as it is removed from the usual fresh style that you advocate. I think it is a bloody smart wine.
Terrific fruit concentration and smart use of oak. What’s not to like?