Cavalli Chardonnay 2023

The maiden 2022 vintage of Chardonnay from Stellenbosch property Cavalli placed Top 10 in last year’s category report with a rating of 92. This was made by now departed winemaker Mali McGregor, her replacement being the experienced Rianie Strydom who officially took over on 1 August last year and would’ve seen the newly released Chardonnay 2023 into bottle.

Winemaking involved maturation lasting 10 months in 225-litre barrels, 25% new, 50% malolactic fermentation occurring. The nose shows a top note of blossom before pear, lime, lemon, a hint of flinty reduction and a brush of vanilla. The palate is pure and focused – a dense core of fruit matched by zippy acidity, the finish suitably dry (alc: 13.1%). Should only be more harmonious in 12 months’ time. Price: R230 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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