2024 'Vignerons Selection' Chardonnay, Glenwood Vineyards, Franschhoek
Glenwood Estate is located in the Robertsvlei Valley in the Western Cape. The nose is slightly subdued but lovely notes of orange, marmalade and vanilla persist. After a nine day fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for nine months in French Oak giving it a delightful palate of almonds, butter and vanilla as well as fresh citrus peel and a steely minerality to balance the wines long finish.
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What a welcome return this is, I blasted through the 2023 vintage all too quickly keen to show it whenever possible and it always left an impression.
A lovely golden hue in the glass is a bit deceptive, as it does little to prepare you for the intensity of the aromas to follow. Pull the cork and marvel in the complex, layered aromas of baked, mature orchard fruit, pear tarte tatin, pastry, almond, woody spice and a sense of creaminess.
The palate as with the previous vintage is far more elegant and poised than the aromas might have you believe as it reveals a delightful medley of poached pear, orchard fruit, stone-fruit, a hint of pineapple, clove, spice and a buttery warming texture.
Pause to allow further flavours to unfurl, and witness the emergence of subtle nutty nuances, warming oak and spice, the texture remains rich, almost creamy in style but is beautifully balanced by a citrus zip that brings with it a hint of slatey minerality, which plays nicely with those warming, comforting flavours and textures that hold long on the finish.
James Russell-Grant | Mr.Wheeler