Rustenberg Wines
Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2020
$51
New to Waitrose, this is a noticeable step up from the good-value straight Rustenberg Chardonnay, also in the Waitrose range. New World Chardonnay lovers - you know who you are! - make a beeline for this wine, named after the vineyard where the grapes are grown, a vineyard overlooked by five tall pine trees (hence the name). Grapes are handpicked, whole bunch pressed and wild fermented in barrel, aged on lees with 100% malolactic fermentation. The wine then spends 15 months in oak, 70% new. Gorgeous cream cracker and buttery nose, some wild ferment yeasty character, and lemon citrus brightness of fruit. Toasty, creamy and luxuriant, but fresh at the same time. Would go down a treat with lobster. Drinking window: 2022-2025. Part of best wine buys at Waitrose this summer.
Score: 93 Points, Decanter.com, 2022
Bottle size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 13%
Region: Stellenbosch
Wine Type: White Wine
Varietal: Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay