Rustenberg FIVE SOLDIERS CHARDONNAY 2023

It is characterized by an upfront perfume, intermingled with concentrated cassis, black cherries and some herbaceousness.

Brilliant and limpid with a pale greenish gold hue. The aromas are particularly expressive in this rather hot vintage, with stone fruit such as apricot or vine peach, evolving to floral notes of acacia blossom and aniseed. Good balance in the mouth, fresh, fruity and round, with a delicious minerality which is the signature of this wine from one vintage to the next.

Pale gold in the glass with a bright, slightly green tinged rim. On the nose it offers crisp orchard fruit; green apple, white peach with lemon zest and a whisper of stone fruit. There’s a mineral undercurrent, crushed limestone, faint flint and a subtle floral lift (something like acacia or white blossom) plus a soft background of toasted oak or warm vanilla. The palate is medium to full with vibrant acidity that brings freshness. Fruit is clean and pure: citrus and peach maybe a touch of apricot. The oak is present but well integrated adding creaminess without overwhelming the fruit. The minerality cuts through, giving a chalky texture, and the finish is long, elegant with saline tension and lingering citrus and stone notes. This is a wine with both immediacy and capacity to evolve over a few years.

Phenomenally good Aussie Chardonnay at this entry level price.

Aromas and flavours of pears with hints of flowers and ginger spice, together with a creaminess and richness derived from the lees. This crisp, unoaked style of Chardonnay has a clean and dry finish