Glenelly Estate

Estate Reserve Stellenbosch Chardonnay

8.71 ratings
-no pro ratings
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
V
8.7

Wow. Sweet spicy ginger, chamomile, black tea, rose/lychee, diacetyl (butter), lemon, apple. Med body and med+ acidity. I tasted this blind initially and was struggling between a super manipulated gewurztraminer (unlikely) or a viognier. The acid was too high for Gewurztraminer and the rose/lychee & chamomile notes (which I think typify Gewurzt) not intense enough. This wasn’t exactly in line with Viogniers I’ve had either but I haven’t had enough to be sure and some characteristics (rose/lychee, spicy ginger, diacetyl and structure) reminded me of an oaked Vigonier picked at the perfect time (when it has good acidity and flavor). I absolutely did not expect it to be a Chardonnay! Sort of wondering if these characteristics are typical for South African (or Stellenbosch) Chardonnays. Very complex. Excellent wine.

Wow. Sweet spicy ginger, chamomile, black tea, rose/lychee, diacetyl (butter), lemon, apple. Med body and med+ acidity. I tasted this blind initially and was struggling between a super manipulated gewurztraminer (unlikely) or a viognier. The acid was too high for Gewurztraminer and the rose/lychee & chamomile notes (which I think typify Gewurzt) not intense enough. This wasn’t exactly in line with Viogniers I’ve had either but I haven’t had enough to be sure and some characteristics (rose/lychee, spicy ginger, diacetyl and structure) reminded me of an oaked Vigonier picked at the perfect time (when it has good acidity and flavor). I absolutely did not expect it to be a Chardonnay! Sort of wondering if these characteristics are typical for South African (or Stellenbosch) Chardonnays. Very complex. Excellent wine.

Nov 12th, 2023