Draaiboek Onskuld Chardonnay 2021
By Christian Eedes, 12 April 2023
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Onskuld Chardonnay from Draaiboek Wines continues to make waves, grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, winemaking by Stephanie Wiid (also of Thistle & Weed). While I acknowledge the general quality that the wine’s origin is capable of and have, for some time, admired the winemaker’s capabilities, this wine, only three vintages in, remains good rather than great.
The 2021 was matured for 10 months in oak, 30% new. Citrus, white peach, oatmeal and a hint of leesy complexity on the nose while the palate is rich and full, thick in texture, tangy acidity stopping it from becoming too ponderous (alc: 13.92%). Flavourful with a gently savoury finish but not nearly as scintillating as some are making it out to be. Price: R390 a bottle.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
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PK | 13 April 2023
But in saying that, love the branding and I am sure the wine will hit its mark in the coming vintages. There is also a second wine to this one, which again has a cool story to it. Look forward to tasting future vintages.
Ps. some get behind brands, to be the first ones in the know 😉
PK | 13 April 2023
Christian, I couldn’t agree with you more. Tasted it the first time when I was slinging wine at Wine Village in Hermanus before coming back to London a couple years ago and even then which may have been the 2020, thought it was ambitious in terms of pricing and not really delivered for the R400 asking price. The valley has so many great examples below and at that price point, it just felt as though all the parts were there, just not in the right place. With no disrespect to anyone involved.