Raised in 50% new French oak for around 8 months, the 2009 Chardonnay has light, innocuous honeyed tones on the nose. The palate is quite buttery on the entry and rounded in texture, whilst there are notes of yellow plum and tropical fruit towards the finish. It is a decent, standard South African Chardonnay. Drink now-2013. I must confess that I was a little disappointed with the selection from this Paarl estate. Whilst the whites are satisfactory, especially their keenly priced Chenin Blanc, the reds exhibited excessive and poorly handled oak that denied the wines of freshness and personality.Importer: Frank Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 230-0906

Both samples provided were corky. 15,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add

Straightforward mainstreamChardonnay with lavish oak over apple fruit. Has a decent medium-weight mouthfeel and a fairly long, if woody, close. If you like ’em oaky you’ll like this more than me. I’d prefer to see this fruit done in an unwooded style. ——M.M.(7/1/2004)—— 84

A world away from any traditional Kosher wine concept, this South African white is crisp and light with citrus-hay aromas. It nearly takes on a Sauvignon Blanc profile with its tart lemony flavors and bright feel, closing crisply with modest length. Looks just like the regular Chardonnay bottling, but with a background blue Star of David on the label, indicating its Kosher (and Kosher for Passover) status. —M.M.——M.M.(4/1/2002)—— 84

Direct pear and piecrust notes, with round texture and clean, easy finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add