New World: Chardonnay, South Africa
2019 Gold 2 Silver 4 Bronze 2 Commended 6
2018 Gold 2 Silver 7 Bronze 1 Commended 4
There seems to be more variation within South Africa’s Chardonnay portfolio than there is in Australia’s: some producers are heading down the slimline route, others preferring to waddle around like a glutton with a day pass for the supermarket bakery aisle.
So although some tasters felt there was a lack of identity (probably a fair comment), others were happy to taste the variety on offer and pick out the ones they liked. Eight medals is pretty much par for the course for the Saffers with Chardonnay, so they can see this as a job well done. Not thrilling, necessarily, but good nonetheless.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘Some really nice expressions; a more restrained, Old World character. Some with juicy fruity and bold oak but still well integrated.’ Laura Rhys MS, team leader
‘There’s still good value to be found in Burgundy, but South Africa offers something different – it’s more approachable, equally consistent in value for money, even slightly better, than Burgundy. It’s a good place to start – a really good alternative.’ Romain de Courcy, Gazelle Mayfair
‘I wouldn’t expect to drink South African Chardonnay – I’d think of Chenin Blanc. But we can find some interesting wines price-wise. The wines can remind you of Burgundy wines at lower prices.’ Dario Barbato, Individual Restaurants
‘A couple had Burgundy-esque flavour, not just fruit – honey, toasty, smoky notes. You can find a little bit of what you’d expect at every price range, and all good value.’ Savvas Symeonidis, Gymkhana Restaurant
‘High hopes and low performance. Generally, very interchangeable wines – nothing shouted South Africa.’ Jan Konetzki, team leader