CAPE OF GOOD HOPE SERRURIA CHARDONNAY 2025

Tendrils of spice add nuance and allure to a nose packed with black berries, hedgerow fruit and some mocha notes. The palate is plush, rounded and pillowy but layered with dark fruitcake flavour, black cherry, baking spice and pencil shavings too. The mouthfeel is complemented by its overall stature and regal refinement. Balanced with seamless integration of oak and ripe, rich fruit with lovely succulence and freshness as well. Complex, supple and silky smooth, the wine is ultimately simply delicious with a superbly long tail.

Both the nose and palate of this wine impress with abundance: a plethora of aromas and flavours – but nothing dominates. Whiffs of marmalade, lime zest, cream and nutty cashew and macadamia with an edge of dust and flint. The palate replicates those in flavour form, along with roasted or grilled peach, eucalyptus honey and brûléed orange. Despite this melange, the wine is structured and harmonious, yet supple and rounded in its textured, layered mouthfeel. Complex, certainly, but elegant, graceful and sophisticated with impressive poise throughout. The use of lees and oak aging lends additional dimension and interest and only means that the blend will age with distinction.

Pale salmon hue, with generous bouquet of lime cordial, oyster shell, fresh sea breeze and apple. Tang of crunchy, crisp green apple and raspberry, vivacious and bright, are immediately apparent on the palate. Lively fizz and energy of the mousse lends additional appeal. Lime marmalade and citrus zest appear before a fantail of toasty brioche, sourdough and creamy lees unfurls. Poised, focused, dry and cohesive to the end.

Delicate raspberry and red cherry aromas with earthy, forest floor and gentle spice notes. That same sprightly lightness is found in the mouth: gentle, juicy and delicately spicy on entry – with cherry, plum and raspberry vibrance. Bright, fresh and vigorous with some more intense earthy, forest floor and leafy nuances which lend dimension and depth. It is seamless, supple and pliable with an ethereality that is enticing – but there is backbone and power too. Effortlessly integrated, it is focussed but impressively long on the finish and delivers heaps of flavour and interest.