From terroir-focused producers, Radford Dale, comes a Chardonnay of Burgundian proportions:
The fruit comes from 2 parcels in Stellenbosch; mature vines the the ocean-facing slopes of Helderberg mountain, and secondly, a limestone-based plot on the Western slopes of Simonsberg mountain.  
 
The winemaking is in the image of Burgundy; the influence of owner Alex Dale's Burgundian upbringing. The grapes are handpicked and whole-bunch pressed. A slow fermentation in barrel over 8-10 weeks using wild yeasts results in complexity and excellent integration of oak character. The wine remains 9 months on the lees, adding body and texture, before a light fining and no filtration.
 
A generous Chardonnay with ripe fruit, focused on texture and with an impressive backbone of minerality and acidity. 
 
Tim Atkin 94 points. 
Vegan. 
12.5% abv.