2022 Rustenberg Chardonnay Stellenbosch

The 2022 Chardonnay, with 13% alcohol, delivers fresh notes of peach, sweet citrus and ripe Asian pears. Medium-bodied, it offers a hint of residual sugar, with a light and approachable mouthfeel and a zesty finish. The wine matured in French oak barrels, 20% new, for 10 months. This is a large production of 337,400 bottles. 89 points

The 2022 Chardonnay comes from estate and purchased fruit, whole bunch pressed, settled overnight, fermented naturally, lees-stirring every fortnight over ten months using 20% new oak. The fresh nose is exactly what you expect from a Chardonnay, with touches of Clementine and nectarine in the background. The palate is well-balanced with apricot and lemon rind, a fine bead of acidity and just a hint of vanilla pod towards the finish. A good, solid Chardonnay to drink now and over the next 4-5 years. 89 points