South African Chardonnay Shines in Decanter’s 2025 Grand Tasting
128 Wines Tasted – The Jury Impressed by Style, Quality and Ageing Potential
The renowned wine magazine Decanter published a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s leading Chardonnays in May 2025. A total of 128 wines were tasted – blind, neutral and independent. The results spoke for themselves: more than half of the wines scored 90 points or higher, a striking testament to the potential of this grape variety at the Cape.
Results at a glance
Jason Millar, Andy Howard MW and Roger Jones formed the tasting panel – and were thoroughly impressed. The scores in detail:
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1× Exceptional
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10× Outstanding
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60× Highly Recommended
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47× Recommended
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10× Commended
Cool-Climate Regions Lead the Way
Wines from cooler regions such as Elgin, Hemel-en-Aarde, Greyton and the higher-elevation sites of Stellenbosch proved particularly successful. They impressed with their precision, freshness and minerality, while also delivering stylistic clarity and aromatic depth.
Andy Howard MW praised the “stylish, consistent quality”, while Roger Jones noted that many of these Chardonnays could compete with top wines from the New World – and even with Burgundy.
Craft, Sustainability and Character
The most characterful wines are those made with respect for both nature and grape. Many producers rely on wild yeasts, minimal intervention in the cellar, and sustainable vineyard practices. This philosophy defines the modern style of South African Chardonnay.
Today’s flavour profile is dominated by finesse, freshness and balance – a clear trend. More and more winemakers are embracing a purist approach, producing age-worthy Chardonnays with distinctive personality.
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 value for money. While some top wines cost over CHF 50, many excellent bottles fall within the CHF 25 to 40 range. This is where many “Highly Recommended” wines can be found – powerful, complex, yet accessible.
If you’re looking for high-quality Chardonnay, you’ll find it here.
The Perfect Food Wine? Absolutely.
Chardonnay pairs beautifully with an impressive range of dishes. Whether it’s roast chicken, mature cheddar or sautéed vegetables – the South African expression proves incredibly versatile.
Thanks to their balance and maturity, these wines inspire creativity in the kitchen. Grilled lobster, scampi, crab tart or salmon with hollandaise sauce all make excellent pairings. Dishes with eggs, cream or tarragon also work wonderfully.
Vegetarian options shine too: mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, fennel or parmesan – especially when served with butter, puff pastry or creamy sauces. Even a seafood braai becomes a true delight with a well-chilled Cape Chardonnay.
Our Conclusion
South African Chardonnay has quietly but steadily risen to world-class status. Whether fresh and cool with notes of citrus and flint, or powerful and elegant with refined oak structure – the diversity is truly impressive.
For wine lovers and collectors alike, now is the perfect time to discover, enjoy or cellar these remarkable 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: Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay
One of the standout wines was the Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay from Elgin – South Africa’s coolest wine-growing region. Richard Kershaw MW founded his estate in 2012 with a clear vision: to produce terroir-driven Chardonnays. He works with four Burgundy clones, vinifies with minimal intervention, and ages the wine in 50% new oak. Only 5,200 bottles and 20 magnums were produced.
The panel was unanimous in its praise. Jason Millar described a savoury nose with apple, quince and spice. On the palate, the Chardonnay appeared fresh and structured, with notes of shortbread and parsnip. Andy Howard MW highlighted the wine’s impressive balance of power and finesse. Roger Jones called it elegant, deep and aromatic – showing stone fruit, brioche, vanilla, pineapple and macadamia nuts.
Drinking window: 2025–2038
Killer Deal >6 bottles
KERSHAW
Clonal Selection Chardonnay – 2020
CHF 43.90 instead of 54.90
Distinctive 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 in Greyton, one of South Africa’s most inspiring winemakers. After a devastating fire in 2019, she rebuilt her estate with remarkable energy and determination.
The vines grow in shale soils with a clay base. The wine was aged for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, one-third of which were new. The result is a profound, precise Chardonnay with a distinctive style.
According to the panel, the complex nose revealed lemon verbena, lime zest, popcorn and toast. On the palate, the wine showed brioche, vibrant acidity, depth and length. Still youthful, 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 bold – character and quality are guaranteed. We invite you to explore, compare, and find your personal favourite.
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 03.06.2025.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
