100% Chardonnay from South Africa. 9 months in French oak. SRP of $17, but should be available for around $14-$15. Sample received courtesy DGB for review purposes.
From the bottle:
"The legend of Boschendal's wines goes as far back as 1685.
Boschendal's Chardonnay grows in mountainous soils under ideal conditions. Hand harvested grapes were pressed and fermented in a cool cellar environment to preserve the graceful citrus and tropical fruit flavours before some maturation in oak barrels giving the wine a rich texture with elegant depth and buttery dimensions.
14.0% Alcohol"
The 2009 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay exhibits a pleasing aroma of passionfruit and guava with some nutmeg and cinnamon. The wine tastes of the same sweet tropical fruit as the nose with a bit of graphite quality. There is a nice texture and spice to this wine. Oak is very apparent on the finish (but deliciously so) with some added lemon zest notes. Excellent and our highest ranked Chardonnay so far which makes this the wine to beat with only two competitors to go in theShowdown!
Other recommended buys from Boschendal:
2009 Boschendal 1685 Shiraz - A Perfectly Pleasing Pepper Party
2009 Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc Grande Cuvée - Complex and Creamy
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2010 - A One-Of-A-Kind Combo You'll Want More Than Once
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.5
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