[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”64px” header_2_font=”Prompt|200|||||||” header_2_font_size=”59px” custom_margin=”||-5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-2px||-4px|||” custom_padding=”5px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”8px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”7px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The renowned wine magazine Decanter<\/em> published a comprehensive overview of South Africa\u2019s leading Chardonnays in May 2025. A total of 128 wines were tasted \u2013 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.<\/p>\n Jason Millar, Andy Howard MW and Roger Jones formed the tasting panel \u2013 and were thoroughly impressed. The scores in detail:<\/p>\n 1\u00d7 Exceptional<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 10\u00d7 Outstanding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 60\u00d7 Highly Recommended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 47\u00d7 Recommended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 10\u00d7 Commended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Andy Howard MW praised the \u201cstylish, consistent quality\u201d, while Roger Jones noted that many of these Chardonnays could compete with top wines from the New World \u2013 and even with Burgundy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s flavour profile is dominated by finesse, freshness and balance \u2013 a clear trend. More and more winemakers are embracing a purist approach, producing age-worthy Chardonnays with distinctive personality.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kapweine.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kershaw-wines.jpg” title_text=”kershaw wines” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Richard Kershaw MW in Elgin \u2013 one of South Africa\u2019s leading Chardonnay producers. (Photo: Sarah Havard)<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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 \u201cHighly Recommended\u201d wines can be found \u2013 powerful, complex, yet accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for high-quality Chardonnay, you\u2019ll find it here.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chardonnay pairs beautifully with an impressive range of dishes. Whether it\u2019s roast chicken, mature cheddar or saut\u00e9ed vegetables \u2013 the South African expression proves incredibly versatile.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Vegetarian options shine too: mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, fennel or parmesan \u2013 especially when served with butter, puff pastry or creamy sauces. Even a seafood braai becomes a true delight with a well-chilled Cape Chardonnay.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 the diversity is truly impressive.<\/p>\n For wine lovers and collectors alike, now is the perfect time to discover, enjoy or cellar these remarkable wines.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”adaptive-title-in-post” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px||0px|||” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”479.9px” custom_margin=”-16px|auto|-16px|auto|true|” custom_padding=”|9px|0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”64px” header_2_font=”Prompt|200|||||||” header_2_font_size=”59px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/shop.kapweine.ch\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/1\/image\/470×609\/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95\/i\/m\/image_222034955.png” title_text=”image_222033361.png” url=”https:\/\/shop.kapweine.ch\/kershaw-chardonnay-clonal-selection-94-punkte-robert-parker-94-punkte-tim-atkin-en-primeur-ab-6-flaschen-39-chf-pro-flasche-trifft-voraussichtlich-auf-ende-marz-ein-2020″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 98 Points by Decanter One of the standout wines was the Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay from Elgin \u2013 South Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s impressive balance of power and finesse. Roger Jones called it elegant, deep and aromatic \u2013 showing stone fruit, brioche, vanilla, pineapple and macadamia nuts.<\/p>\nResults at a glance<\/h3>\n
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Cool-Climate Regions Lead the Way<\/h3>\n
Craft, Sustainability and Character<\/h3>\n
High Quality at a Fair Price<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Perfect Food Wine? Absolutely.<\/h3>\n
Our Conclusion<\/h3>\n
A Prime Example: Kershaw<\/a> Clonal Selection<\/h3>\n
94 Points by Robert Parker
94 Points by Tim Atkin
94 Points by Vinous – Neal Martin<\/strong><\/p>\nA Highlight of the Tasting: Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay<\/h3>\n