Top ratings in the big Decanter Tasting 2025
128 wines tasted – the jury was impressed by style, quality, and aging potential
The renowned wine magazine Decanter published a comprehensive overview of South Africa's current top Chardonnays in May 2025. 128 wines were tasted – blind, neutral, and independent. The results were clear: more than half achieved 90 points or more. This impressively demonstrates the immense potential of this grape variety in the Cape.
Results at a glance
Jason Millar, Andy Howard MW, and Roger Jones formed the jury trio – and were enthusiastic. The detailed rating results:
- 1× Exceptional
- 10× Outstanding
- 60× Highly Recommended
- 47× Recommended
- 10× Commended
Cooler regions as a trump card
Wines from cooler regions such as Elgin, Hemel-en-Aarde, Greyton, and higher-altitude sites in Stellenbosch were particularly successful. They impressed with their precision, freshness, and minerality. They also scored points for stylistic clarity and aromatic depth.
Andy Howard MW spoke of "stylish, consistent quality." Roger Jones emphasized that many of these Chardonnays can compete with top wines from the New World and even Burgundy.
Craftsmanship, sustainability, and character
Those wines crafted with respect for nature and the grape are full of character. Many producers rely on wild yeasts, minimal intervention in the cellar, and sustainable farming. This philosophy shapes the modern style of South African Chardonnays.
Finesse, freshness, and balance now dominate the taste profile – a clear trend. More and more winemakers are opting for purist, age-worthy Chardonnays with individual expression.
Richard Kershaw MW in Elgin – one of South Africa's leading Chardonnay producers. (Photo: Sarah Havard)
High quality at a fair price
South Africa also impresses with its price-performance ratio. While some top wines cost over 50 CHF, numerous excellent drops are priced between 25 and 40 CHF. Especially in this segment, many "Highly Recommended" wines can be found – powerful, complex, yet accessible.
If you're looking for high-quality Chardonnays, you'll find them here.
The perfect food wine? Absolutely.
Chardonnay pairs with an astonishing number of dishes. Whether roast chicken, aged cheddar, or roasted vegetables – the South African version proves to be versatile.
With their balance and maturity, these wines inspire creative culinary ideas. Grilled lobster, scampi, crab tart, or salmon with hollandaise sauce are perfect companions. Egg, cream, and tarragon dishes also harmonize wonderfully.
Vegetarian combinations are equally suitable: mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, fennel, or Parmesan – especially in combination with butter, puff pastry, or creamy sauce. Even a seafood braai becomes a culinary delight with a well-chilled Chardonnay from the Cape.
Our conclusion
South Africa's Chardonnay has quietly and steadily evolved into a world-class wine. Whether fresh and cool with citrus and flint or powerful and elegant with a fine wood structure – the diversity is impressive.
For connoisseurs and collectors, now is the perfect time to discover, enjoy, or cellar these wines.
A prime example: Kershaw Clonal Selection
98 Points by Decanter
94 Points by Robert Parker
94 Points by Tim Atkin
94 Points by Vinous – Neal Martin
A highlight of the tasting was the Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay from Elgin – South Africa's coolest wine region. Richard Kershaw MW founded his winery in 2012 with the aim of producing terroir-driven Chardonnays. He uses four Burgundy clones, vinified with minimal intervention, and ages the wine for 50% in new oak. A total of only 5,200 bottles and 20 magnums were produced.
The jury was unanimous. Jason Millar described a spicy nose with apple, quince, and wood. On the palate, the Chardonnay was fresh and structured, with shortbread and parsnip notes. Andy Howard MW highlighted the successful balance between power and finesse. Roger Jones found it elegant, deep, and aromatic – with stone fruit, brioche, vanilla, pineapple, and macadamia.
Drinking window: 2025–2038
Killer Deal >6 Bottles
KERSHAW
Clonal Selection Chardonnay – 2020
CHF 43.90 instead of 54.90
Full of character and profound: Lismore Estate Reserve
97 Points by Decanter
94 Points by WINEMAG SA
94 Points by Tim Atkin
93 Points by James Suckling
This Chardonnay comes from Samantha O’Keefe from Greyton, one of South Africa's most inspiring winemakers. After the devastating fire in 2019, she rebuilt her winery with great energy.
The vines are rooted in slate soils with a clay subsoil. The wine was aged for 11 months in 500-liter barrels, one-third of which were new. The result: a profound, clear Chardonnay with a distinctive style.
According to the jury, lemon verbena, lime zest, popcorn, and toast characterized the complex nose. On the palate, the wine showed brioche, vibrant acidity, depth, and length. Still young, but with great potential.
Drinking window: 2025–2037
Top Sale
LISMORE
Estate Reserve Chardonnay – 2022
CHF 49.00 instead of 59.00
Taste, compare, enjoy
South Africa offers an impressive variety of Chardonnay styles. Whether classic, mineral, or powerful – character and quality are guaranteed. We invite you to discover, compare, and find your very own favorite.
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 03.06.2025.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
