MoneyWeek – 2024 De Wetshof Estate, Bon Vallon Chardonnay, Robertson, South Africa

2024 De Wetshof Estate, Bon Vallon Chardonnay, Robertson, South Africa

(£15.95, www.finewinedirect.co.uk)

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I first visited De Wetshof some twenty years ago.  Back then, this impressive winery, overlooking the Breede River, in the relatively cool and breezy climate of Roberston, was already acknowledged as a global Chardonnay specialist.  I toured the estate with Danie De Wet and was delighted to meet his wife, Lesca, who was responsible for this famous brand’s image and crisp label designs.  I also met a very chirpy fellow, marketing whizz-kid Bennie Stipp.  While the De Wet family, including the next generation Johann and Peter, are the visionaries and the driving force behind the winemaking style of these classically dimensioned wines, Bennie’s boundless enthusiasm made a lasting impression on me.  While I rarely bump into him, whenever I do, it seems like time has stood still.  He is full of beans and eternally optimistic, and his outgoing character suits these energetic and vivacious wines down to the ground: pun intended.  So, when Bennie sent me an email saying the new raft of De Wetshof Chardonnays was on its way to the UK, I jumped at the chance to taste them.  As luck would have it, the first wine to break from the blocks is my favourite in the pack.  Bon Vallon is unoaked and gathers its mid-palate gravitas from careful lees ageing.  Combining elite flavours matched to irresistible value for money, this is a beautifully balanced, discreetly layered wine that would wow any Chardonnay aficionado.  With the merest hints of peach fuzz and wild honey, it has the rare talent of possessing a degree of flair within its lithe chassis.  I cannot recommend this wine enough and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for 2024 Lesca Chardonnay and 2023 The Site Chardonnay, too, as they are both crackers.  The world needs more Bennies sounding the trumpet for their terrific wines.  I hope his reveille awakens your palate as it has done mine.

Matthew Jukes, Money Week

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