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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Seven Springs Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2012 90+ Points


Following their maiden Chardonnay vintage in 2011 (89+ Points), 2012 follows suit albeit in a slightly fuller, riper style with an extra 0.5% alcohol, without compromising freshness and delicacy, more a reflections of the vintage warmer growing conditions and winemaker Riana van der Merwe, growing confidence and knowhow of the vineyard she is working with, confirms it’s potential being on the right track to be one of the very best South African Chardonnay made in a "Chablis" style.

Delicately fragrant, confident subtlety, citrus medley, ripe stone fruits, slight nutty and white cheese note, layered, great purity and precision.

“Drier” than 2011, structured with good fruit integration, juicy and tangy, lively, bright mid palate, table friendly, again a saline farewell, could this be from the site? drinking very well now. Justifiably warrant an extra points over 2011, a boutique producer to take note of….


Alcohol: moderate plus | 13.5%abv

Origin: Overberg

Notes: lemon| apple | nectarines | blanch almonds | sea shell

Ideal drinking occasions: winter time lunch

Serve with: pan fried Cape Salmon with leek fondant with toasted quinoa salad


Drink: now until 2018