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Winner Details

Chardonnay - South Africa

Both South Africa and the US rather underdelivered this year. Tasters found wines they liked, but there didn’t seem to be the strength in depth that we’ve seen here over the past couple of years.

Perhaps it’s because, as more than one judge pointed out, many New World countries are still getting to grips with the more linear, reductive style that Australia, in particular, has perfected so well over the past 15 years.

If we had a consistent criticism it’s that we’d like to see more good, workmanlike Chardies under £12. It doesn’t all have to be about making Burgundy cru wannabes. So well done to Kleine Zalze for a FOURTH consecutive gold for the super-cheap Cleefs Reserve.

Award winners

Found 6 wines

New World: Chardonnay, South Africa

Kleine Zalze, Cleefs, Reserve Collection, Chardonnay 2019, Western Cape, South Africa

Gold medal winner By the glass

'A fresher style, with a good amount of acidity, notes of apples and ripe pears, and a pleasant finish.' Alonso Abed, Trivet. 'An easy-drinking wine with a creamy palate showing some cured lemon and lime notes.' Tanguy Martin, Blandford Comptoir. 'With buttery, lemon and peach notes accompanied by some minerality, and good length, this is a good by-the-glass offer.' Tom Forrest, team leader.

£7.26 Hatch Mansfield

Creation, Reserve, Chardonnay 2018, Walker Bay, South Africa

Gold medal winner

'Textbook style, with minerality balanced with zippy acids, and notes of bright pineapple and mango, lime and oaky creaminess. Very much a food wine, and well worth the price.' Andres Ituarte, team leader. 'Super-tasty, with rich green fruits and citrus, and cedar oak notes.' Tim Smith, Winesurfer Consulting. 'Balanced and generous, ripe but refreshing.' Tanguy Martin, Blandford Comptoir.

£26.00 Bibendum

Elgin Vintners, Chardonnay 2019, Elgin, South Africa

Bronze medal winner

'Elegantly done, with some light oak, bruised peach and ripe red apple, as well as a nutty note with a bit of toast. Well-balanced.' Andres Ituarte, team leader. 'An elegant nose with a classic Chardonnay palate, showing some spices and a good amount of acidity.' Tanguy Martin, Blandford Comptoir.

£12.74 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Kleine Zalze, Vineyard Selection, Chardonnay 2019, Western Cape, South Africa

Commended medal winner

Lismore , Chardonnay 2017, Western Cape, South Africa

Commended medal winner

Journey's End, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay 2018, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Commended medal winner

£14.15 Bibendum