CWG Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2023

CWG Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2023

Chardonnay from South Africa is known for its rich aromas and flavor notes, often including tropical fruits and exotic spices. Winemakers in the region, especially in Stellenbosch, are known for their experimental approach, sometimes blending Chardonnay with Sauvignon Blanc. Generally, these wines are simpler than their French counterparts and lighter and more tropical than those from California.

However, the best South African producers can compete with the world's finest Chardonnays, and this wine is an example of that. It is made from grapes from 22-year-old vines.

CWG Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2013 is a white wine from Elgin, South Africa, created by Paul Cluver Wines under the direction of winemaker Andries Burger. This wine was specially produced for the Cape Winemakers Guild auction and is known for its high quality and complexity.

Grape source and production: The grapes for this Chardonnay come from 26-year-old vines, the oldest on the estate. After pressing, the must was fermented and aged in oak barrels, adding depth and structure to the wine.

Tasting notes: The wine has a medium straw color with green hues and offers intense fruit with subtle caramel notes. It is rich without being creamy, with a full and integrated flavor, where the oak is well incorporated.

Reviews: Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 92 points and describes it as an excellent Chardonnay with perfect balance. It has aromas of apple, pear and unripe peach, spiced with lightly toasted oak notes and baking spices. The palate experiences a light creaminess with ripe fruit flavors and toasted nut tones, refreshed by good acidity. The finish offers notes of toasted brioche and wood-grilled apple.

Storage potential: It is recommended to enjoy this wine between 2025 and 2030, but properly stored bottles can still provide a pleasant tasting experience after this period.

CWG Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2013 is an excellent example of South African Chardonnay, combining intense fruit with elegance and complexity.