Julien Schaal - Western Cape Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2022
South Africa
White
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
91/100
James Suckling
"Aromas of ripe apples, almonds, marzipan and honeysuckle. Medium- to full-bodied, with a round texture. Fresh, lively fruit character with a chalky finish. Drink now. Screw cap." (James Suckling 2022)
Features
Estate
Julien et Sophie Schaal
Cuvée
Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay
Vintage
2022
Designation
Western Cape
Region
South Africa
Grape varieties
100% Chardonnay
Terroirs
Grapes from 2 vineyards: Elgin (the coolest wine-growing region in the Cape, highland plateau surrounded by mountain ranges, stony soil and red clay) and Upper Hemel-en-Aarde (valley surrounded and sheltered by a mountain barrier formed by Galpin Peak and the Tower of Babel, soil made up of clay and gravel in the upper layer and shale in the lower layer).
Viticulture
Wine made from grapes or wine purchased from partner producers
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Gentle pressing, settling, juice put into 300L barrels
Breeding
10 months before bottling
Alcohol content
13.5%
Tasting & pairing
Nose
Ripe, tart green plums and apples, hints of almond and honeysuckle, creamy, floury touches.
Mouth
Medium-bodied, round texture, chalky finish, a serious approach to Chablis that offers an interesting alternative.
Serve
AT 10-12°C
Drink before
2025
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with mussel risotto, trout with beurre blanc, asparagus bavarois, shellfish and seafood...
Julien and Sophie Schaal
Western Cape
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Domain rated 2*Stars (A serious and commendable production, but a little more regular and homogeneous than the previous one)
About the domain :
In 2011, Julien Schaal set up his own Alsatian structure in parallel with a trading venture in South Africa, a highly original venture since it is based exclusively on the purchase of Grand Cru grapes. There are currently nine grands crus on the menu, covering just about every soil type in the region, and only Riesling is offered, with the exception of a gewurzt from Osterberg and a blend from Altenberg de Bergheim. A blind tasting of his 2017s blew us away. Hats off to him!
Jancis Robinson
Rated Domaine (2023 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2022 guide) 91/100
Rated Domaine (2023 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
Aromas of ripe apples, almonds, marzipan and honeysuckle. Medium- to full-bodied, with a round texture. Fresh, lively fruit character with a chalky finish. Drink now. Screw cap.
Customer reviews
Customer rating
3/5
on 2 reviews
Note and review by M. GUILLAUME Q. Published on 08/12/2023
See all reviews from this customer
Note and review by M. FLORIAN C. Published on 23/09/2023
See all reviews from this customer
Buy your Julien et Sophie Schaal wines at the best price on private sale!
Free on your 1st order*.