Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2014

Wine of Origin: Elgin

Winemaker: Andries Burger

Background: Andries Burger, wine maker at the Paul Cluver Estate in Elgin, was overwhelmed when he received 94 points for both his Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2014 and the flagship Seven Flags Chardonnay 2014 at the Prescient Chardonnay Report 2015  awards ceremony last week. No stranger to winning awards but to receive the top score for both wines was definitely a bonus! The Prescient Chardonnay Report 2015  (previously the Christian Eedes Chardonnay Report), now in its 5th  year was created by wine fundi, Christian Eedes, of Winemag.co.za and is presently sponsored by Prescient (a financial services company). The report aims to commemorate the top-end of what Eedes describes as ‘the wine with a universal following – arguably the best dry white wine in the world’. There were 60 wines in the line-up and submission was by invitation only. Out of the wines tasted by the panel, Christian Eedes, Roland Peens and James Pietersen only 29 were scored 90 and above using the 100 point quality scale.
The Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay was 100% wild fermented in a selection of new and 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill oak barrels. Once fermentation was complete the wine remained on the lees for nine months prior to bottling.

Result: The wine shows citrus blossom fragrance along with brioche and hints of vanilla pod. The palate has fresh acidity with an invigorating mouth-feel offering citrus and buttered toast flavour with a lively finish.

When to drink: now till 2018

Drink with what: Delicious to enjoy with creamy pastas, salmon and poultry.

Expect to pay (prices may differ nationally): R185.00