2009 Chardonnay Stellenbosch Reserve

Whole bunch pressed from vines grown on granite soils and raised 50% in new French barrels, the 2009 Reserve Chardonnay has light lime, green apple and citrus aromas on the nose. The palate is well-balanced with a lovely white peach and vanilla tinged entry that caresses the mouth and ends with a succinct apricot and peach tinged finish. Drink now-2017. Vergelegen has one of the most dramatic backdrops of any winery that I have visited. Located in Somerset West, this vast estate has a long history dating back to the 17th century, but the winery itself is thoroughly modern, not dissimilar to Pichon-Baron with its octagonal design. The estate was acquired by “Anglo American” in 1987 and two years later, they planted the first vines. They received enormous publicity when Vergelegen hosted the first unbanned meetings of the ANC. Andre van Rensberg is responsible for both the vineyards, which range between 140m and 310m in altitude, and the winemaking, and he is one of the few winemakers to have combatted leaf-roll virus head-on so that their replanting program of virus-free vines look set to bear virus-free fruit. Their portfolio focuses upon classic French grape varieties, divided into their entry-level white label range and their premium, black label range wherein the fruit is sourced exclusively from their own vines. Importer: 57 Main Street Imports, Garden City, NY; tel. (516) 357-2070