Glen Carlou Unwooded Paarl Chardonnay 2012 90 Points

Glen Carlou Unwooded Paarl Chardonnay 2012 90 Points

Glen Carlou situated in Paarl district have built their reputation as one of South Africa's most consistent Chardonnay's producer, over the last 2 decades,  either with their classic wooded example "green label" or the vineyard specific "Quartz Stone", both offerings sits firmly amongst leaders in their style, now a new addition to the range is the unwooded, fermented in "egg shape" concrete fermenters, (believe to naturally stir the lees, and more gentle temperature variation).
Pale bright, straw with yellow reflections.

Clean, moderate intensity, there is a sense of confidence in the profile, subtly ripe citrus medley, pineapples, passion fruit skin, excellent purity with hints of stony minerals.

Dry with dash residual sugar, juicy and broad with honeyed texture on mid palate, moderate plus acidity, fresh and elegant with moderate alcohol of 13% abv, table-friendly, lots going on, persistent lenght, bright example from Paarl fruit, now until 2019. Best served "decanted/aerated", yet chilled, better definition on aromatics and texture after 2 hours in decanter! yet unscathed by oxidation, 7 days after opening, testament of the integrity here.