The Five Soldiers vineyard is named after five tall stone pine trees called the “Five Soldiers” that tower over this site. Carefully selected Chardonnay bunches from this area are hand harvested for this special wine and then given royal treatment in the cellar. The final product is a very complex full-bodied wine, approachable in its youth however careful cellaring will exhibit the depth of the wine’s complexity and will reward patience.
Tasting notes:
Characters of ripe citrus, melon and peach with great minerality, rounded out by well-judged oaking. A very complex wine with a long and creamy finish and a good acid backbone.
Reviews:
4 ½ Stars 2020 Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Latest 17 (93 pts) reflects increased flinty tension, agile lightness of foot enhanced by bright citrus zest. None at expense of characteristic creamy lees, oatmeal & nutty savoury concentration. Oak (70% new 300L) complementary. Lovely potential.
91 points, Wine Advocate March 2020
Bursting with oak tones and spices that jump out of the glass along with aromas of apple, pear and white acacia flowers, the 2017 Chardonnay Five Soldiers has an impressive depth that can be sensed on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the Chardonnay shows an impressive balance with an open-knit palate that delivers pleasure. This wine checks all of the boxes that I would want out of a Chardonnay, with vanilla oak tones, pear cup and lemon panna cotta, ending with a lingering soft, oaky finish. Well done! 2020-2026