Wine note – May 2023

Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2022 (Waitrose £14.99)

New World Chardonnay? Hardly. This South African estate was founded in 1682.

Expensive? Not for the quality in the bottle.

Barrel fermentation and maturation leading to an overwhelming flavour of oak? Not at all; this wine is all about balance.

The aroma has the hints of orange peel that you often find in South African Chardonnay (I’ve no idea why). On the palate, richness is balanced by acidity. The oak flavour is apparent but balanced by fruit.
Try too their red wines named after owners of the estate. John X Merriman is a good Bordeaux style blend while Peter Barlow is the top red (though I haven’t noticed it being ordered at bar of the Rovers Return).

Gesondheid!
John Freeland (u3a Wine Tasting Group)