Chardonnay "Silene", Capensis, Stellenbosch, ZA, 2022

Professional ratings & critic scores

Wine Enthusiast

• Score: 92/100 (Excellent)
• Price reference: ~$40
• Tasting notes: lively, elegant Chardonnay with citrus, mandarin, lemon, herbs, and spice notes, supported by bright acidity
• Another listing for Capensis Chardonnay 2022 (same producer, broader bottling):
  • Score: 94/100 (Superb)
  • Notes: lime, quince, floral tones, citrus, subtle spice, textured palate

Interpretation: Wine Enthusiast consistently places Capensis Chardonnay in the 90–94 range, with Silene specifically on the lower end of that premium band.

International Wine & Spirit Competition

• Silene Chardonnay 2022: Gold Medal level scoring
• Tasting panel notes:
  • Golden apple, pear, mango aromas
  • Lemon, quince, vanilla oak
  • Creamy, long finish with balanced acidity

Interpretation: IWSC judges it as a medal-level premium Chardonnay, emphasizing balance and oak integration.

South African Wine Magazine (Christian Eedes review)

• Score: 92/100
• Style description:
  • Lemon, grapefruit, nutty, lees-driven complexity
  • Rich, textured palate with coated acidity
  • Slightly bold oak-influenced style

Interpretation: A serious, structured Chardonnay with a slightly more powerful, “old-world-meets-new-world” oak profile.

Overall professional consensus

Across critics and panels, Capensis “Silene” Chardonnay 2022 is consistently described as:

• Score band: ~90–94 points
• Style: premium, oaked Stellenbosch Chardonnay
• Character:
  • Citrus-driven (lemon, lime, mandarin)
  • Orchard fruit (pear, apple, quince)
  • Toasty oak / vanilla / spice
  • Creamy texture + bright acidity

General takeaway

• Not a lean, mineral Burgundy-style Chardonnay
• More of a rich, polished, slightly bold Stellenbosch expression
• Considered high-quality but “entry-tier” within Capensis range (Silene is their more accessible cuvée)