Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay

The nose shows poise and precision. Wet stone and minerality, supported by aromas of shortbread and white stone fruit, followed by a very attractive nutty toastiness, gives context to the bouquet. The palate is zesty and lively with crystalline definition and purity. White pears and quince follow, with hints of acacia flower succulence and subtle hints of vanilla and toast. A palate of considerable poise, yet enduring length and structure.

Hints of apple and white-stone fruit give way to a zesty, orange-peel finish.

A terroir driven wine, the Cellar Master Series Chardonnay has a medium-plus intensity, owning its youthful and aromatic bouquet of spring blossoms, crunchy yellow apples, dried pineapple, cinnamon, ripe grapefruit, and mandarin zest. A sweeter undertone of almond skin, bay leaf and chamomile ground the fruit, adding a sophisticated, savoury sheen. A sherbet-like intensity follows through on the taste, and this vibrant acidity steers the fruit to the back of your mouth, evoking a salivating mineral quality. Then, with a savoury sheen anchoring itself on the mid-palate, the wine engulfs your palate, weaving a magical balance of sweet, sour, and salty nuances into a mouth-filling experience. As with the aromas, bright citrus takes the lead with whiffs of lemon meringue pie, almonds, and grapefruit pith, balancing creamy and nippy textures built into the wine, finished off with an old-world flintiness.

Welterverede is known for the world class chardonnay. So exploring all different styles of this noble cultivar is a must. Lemonzest is a great start for anyone exploring a chardonnay cultivar. It's lively and fresh without the traditional heaviness of over extracted oaked chardonnays.