Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2022, "Blending three different components from both sides of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this is a beautifully judged Chardonnay from a South African master of the variety. Voluptuous and textured, yet focused and energetic at the same time, it has struck match top notes, 22% new oak, citrus and vanilla spice flavours and a pithy, salty finish." - Tim Atkin MW
BLANKbottle Seelug 2022, "Did it go through malolactic fermentation," I asked Pieter Walser. "I didn’t even check," he replied. But who cares? This is a delightful new Chardonnay from a sea breeze-influenced site on the Lower Heldeberg, showing notes of honey, fresh dough and lemon butter and a fresh, zesty finish." - Tim Atkin MW
"A riper and vaguely exotic nose displays notes of pear and apple compote with less citrus influence, all of which is trimmed in exceptional subtle wood. There is fine intensity to the delicious and agreeably textured flavors that are also shaped by lemon-tined acidity. This is quite forward and a wine that should drink well shortly after its release." - Allen Meadows, Burghound
"The 2018 Arbois Chardonnay En Barbi races out of the glass with a stunning display of energy and mineral-drenched energy. Lemon oil, white flowers, almond, chamomile and crushed rocks are some of the many notes that infuse the 2018 with tons of character. Ample and yet sculpted, the 2018 is a wine of total class. In this lineup, the En Barbi is marked by a brilliant aromatic upper register. In a word: dazzling!" - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"The 2020 Chardonnay Ronco Basso is youthfully backward today, with crushed almonds giving way to pretty hints of young peach and dusty florals. Its silken textures coat the palate in ripe apple and pear complemented by hints of sweet almond. The finish is long, stained with confectionery spice and a gentle tug of minerality. The Ronco Basso impresses with its balance and elegance." - Eric Guido, Vinous
"Colmant's pan-regional Blanc de Blancs combines Chardonnay components from Bonnievale and the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Racy, stony, chiselled and showing a lot of what the Champenois call "tension", this is a lower dosage style that will age convincingly in bottle." - Tim Atkin MW