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The Christian Eedes Chardonnay Report 2011: The Top 10 wines

By , 15 November 2011

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The general consensus is that South African Chardonnay is making a  comeback. But just how good is it? I put together a line-up of 50 high-profile, current-release wines  and then subjected them to a blind tasting. The top wines were as follows:

FIVE STARS
Ataraxia 2009
Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2009
Oak Valley Elgin 2010
Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch 2010
Tokara  Reserve Collection Walker Bay 2009

FOUR AND A HALF STARS
Glen Carlou 2010
Glen Carlou Quartz Stone 2009
Julien Schaal Mountain Vineyards 2010
Laborie Limited Collection 2010
Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented 2009

To read the tasting report in full, download the following: CE Chardonnay Report 2011

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5 comment(s)

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    Smirrie | 1 May 2012

    On the same i am busy drinking a ataraxia chardonnay 2009. This wine is a top notch chardonnay and deserve all the compliment. It is time for a cape winemaker guild chardonnay from kevin grant again

    Johan Smuts | 11 January 2012

    Christian i think your report was just splendid. I am a big fan of the chardonnays in the hemel & aarde vallei in Hermanus. Did u perhaps tasted Summaridge new vintage of Chardonnay ?. I personally know the chardonnays in the valley quite well and was really impressed with this vintage. 

    Furthermore i just wish to compliment Hamilton Russel & Newton Johnson on their chardonay.

    Christian | 21 November 2011

    Hi Rex,The Chardonnay Report was intended for anybody with a high level of interest in South African wine, regardless of demographics. I would humbly suggest that making assumptions about the modern consumer (such as preferred information sources or type of wine) is not very useful.

    Rex Aspeling | 19 November 2011

    I wonder who the intended reader of the above mentioned article was supposed to be. Definitely not the person who drinks these wines

    John Horrocks | 16 November 2011

    Christian, well done on highlighting this varietal. Since its ealy plantings > 30 years ago in SA, the SA Chardonnay’s have evolved over the years in many different styles, and I have to agree with Neal Martin-our fine Chardonnays are truly very well made in my opinion, in a hybrid of New World- Burgundian style, and a pleasure to enjoy. I look forward to Dec holidays when I can enjoy a few on your extensive list!

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