2007 Thelema Sutherland Chardonnay Elgin 13.5% 85 Points
Fragrant frangipani, ripe yellow peaches, delicate toast (perfect oaking, touch less would even be better) sweet barley, green citrus zest, fairly complex, touch of botrytis ?
Crisp, oily, light bodied, but has mid palate, textured, juicy, more elegant and less buttery than Stellenbosch version, fine delicate balance between, fruit, acid, oak and alcohol, very fine debut, will have more potential as vine ages.
A tad more concentration would have made a much more interesting wine, but I think it’s more of a vintage characteristic than yield ? Will peak around end 2009, thereafter will drink well until 2012.
Could this be the next “Icon” Chardonnay from Elgin ?
In my opinion Paul Cluver Chardonnay (consistent 85+ / 86 and far away from other Elgin Chardonnay, but to date no 87 yet from Elgin) have no close competition, until now…..so the future of Elgin wooded (subtly) Chardonnay looks great…..keep it up, this is a very good successful style.
11 July 2008
Beverage | Cape Town | Champagne | Coffee | Drink | Durban | Farmall | Food | Gauteng | Hotel | Johannesburg | MC 100 Points Rating | MCC | Rating | Restaurant | Sommelier | Travel | Wine | WineBar | Wine Events | Wine Lovers
