Chardonnay, Rustenberg, Stellenbosch, ZA, 2022

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Overview

Exhibits aromas of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), stone fruits (apricot, peach), and subtle notes of toast and vanilla from oak aging. The palate is often described as creamy, with flavors mirroring the aromas, and a fresh acidity that provides balance.

Details

Aromas and Flavors: Expect notes of apricot, coconut, orange peel, marzipan, sponge cake, and citrus, with balanced oak and fresh acidity. Some reviews also mention ripe yellow apples, brioche, and vanilla.
Structure: It's described as full-flavored and well-balanced, combining fruit, brioche, spice, and mineral-driven acidity for an explosive finish.
Aging Potential: This Chardonnay can be enjoyed now or cellared for further complexity, with some reviews suggesting it can age for 8+ years under ideal conditions.
Vintage Conditions: The 2022 vintage had a cool growing season followed by warm weather, resulting in healthy acidity, good concentration, and ripe fruit expression.
Food Pairings: The wine is versatile, pairing well with seafood, pasta, poultry, risotto, pork, and veal. Specific recommendations include poached salmon with tarragon butter sauce, shrimp and grits, creamy risottos, butternut ravioli, chicken pot pie, creamy polenta, and fresh apples with creamy cheeses.
Comparison to other Chardonnays: One review notes its balance of Old World and New World styles.
Awards: The 2022 vintage received Wine Gold from the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

In conclusion, the 2022 Rustenberg Stellenbosch Chardonnay is described as a high-quality wine with a complex flavor profile, suitable for immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.

History

Rustenberg is one of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine farms, with a viticultural history dating back to 1682. In 1941, Peter and Pamela Barlow bought the Rustenberg farm, situated in a prime location on the slopes of the Simonsberg. After taking control of the farm operations in 1987, their son Simon ushered in a new era, catapulting the historic estate to the ranks of South Africa’s winemaking elite. The renaissance began with a large scale replanting of the vineyards using virus-free clones imported from France, followed by sweeping renovations to the winery and the hiring of new viticultural and winemaking teams. As Wine Spectator recently observed, "Rustenberg has all the qualifications of a world class wine estate: a long history of winemaking…and ideal terroir, with deep-red, clay-rich granite soils that are located on a variety of slopes and elevations." Rustenberg has achieved tremendous critical and commercial success, and today the celebrated estate’s bottlings are among South Africa’s most iconic and sought-after wines.