Chardonnay De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon Sur Lie 2024
£15.95 per bottle
ABV 13%
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
Tasting Notes
Danie de Wet pioneered this noble cultivar in South Africa and this Chardonnay is a fresh and expressive, unwooded version. The nose is delicate with aromas of lemon, honeysuckle blossom and peach. The wine was matured on its lees to produce a vibrant, lemony dry wine with a yeasty and delicate nutty finish. With typical attention to detail, Danie`s wife Lesca has designed classic packaging for this distinctive wine.
Food
Great by the glass it goes well with Caesar Salad or seared salmon or tuna, equally, it will complement grilled or roasted white meats and pan-fried duck.
Region
Located 160km North of Cape Town, the Robertson Valley lies in the folds of the Riviersonderend and Langeberg Mountains where the Breede River meanders towards the Cape`s southern coastline. The chilly southern ocean breezes are funneled up the valley and give cooling respite to the vines throughout the growing season. Quite high concentrations of lime are found in the soil and this makes the area exceptionally fine for white grape varieties.
Producer
The De Wet family were one of the earliest settlers arriving in the Cape in 1694. As pioneers in the wine business they have a natural instinct and huge commitment to viticulture in the Robertson region. Ideally located on the slopes overlooking the Breede River, and under the ownership of Danie de Wet, this estate is at the forefront of quality white wine production in the Cape. The facade of the beautiful cellars is a replica of the historic first Customs House in Cape Town. Inside the building Danie and his team use the most innovative and modern wine-making equipment to craft wines of the highest quality. Internationally renowned and one of South Africa`s most awarded wine estates. They also achieved an exceptional rating in South Africa`s Business Social Compliance Initiative which implements the principle of international labour standards for their workers.
Media
Wine Spectator awarded 91 points in April 2018. Gilbert and Gaillard awarded 93 points in May 2018.
