The maiden vintage by winemaker Yvonne Lester, securing a 95-point rating from Tim Atkin MW and 91 points from Winemag. Sourced from a single limestone-rich vineyard in Robertson, South Africa, this refined wine features notes of lemon zest, white pear, and flint, with a refreshing, saline finish.  

The harvesting of our grapes was conducted in three stages of ripening to provide an array of components for vinification and to create a multidimensional wine from this single vineyard. The first picking provided us with a lovely fresh component to bring zest to the palate. As the ripening season lengthened, we picked our second batch. This component brought with it mineral and saline elements. Our third and final picking, shortly before the arrival of summer’s heat, gave this wine depth, density and texture.  

In terms of maturation, 10% of this wine was placed in ceramic clayvers. The remaining component was aged in 300-liter French Oak barrels and was kept on its primary lees for this period, undergoing regular bâtonnage. The duration of maturation was 10 months without malolactic fermentation.   

Planted in 2005, Kweekkamp is a single vineyard in Robertson on limestone soils. The site allows for great maturation at lower alcohol levels with high natural acidity; this vintage is just 13% alcohol with a natural acidity of 6,5g/l TA. It needs a little time in bottle and has the intrinsics to last 10 years plus.

Tasting Notes: The aromas expressed by this wine are those of lemon zest, lime blossom, white pear, and kiwi fruit. This Chardonnay exhibits endless freshness and lucid flintiness on the palate with a dimension of minerality and salinity to give depth and density to its character. An inkling sensation of nougat contributes to a beautiful smooth conclusion.

Food Pairing: Fresh oysters, sushi, sashimi, and ceviche are ideal to complement the wine's salinity and citrus notes. Fish: Grilled linefish, pan-seared scallops, or delicate white fish. Poultry: Lightly prepared chicken dishes, such as herb-roasted chicken or poached chicken with a lemon butter sauce. Salads/Vegetables: Fresh green salads, goat cheese salads, or grilled asparagus. Creamy Dishes: Pasta with a light cream sauce or dishes with a hint of brie or camembert

The maiden release from Yvonne Lester, previously winemaker at Rupert & Rothschild. Grapes from the Kweekkamp vineyard on the Robertson property Mont Blois, 10% of the wine was aged in clay, the rest in barrel.  The nose is exotic with notes of peach, orange, a hint of pineapple, fresh nuts, oatmeal and subtle vanilla. The palate has a pleasing sweet ‘n sour quality – succulent fruit, well integrated acidity, creamy texture, the oak well judged. Alc: 13%. CE’s rating: 91/100.