Wine Review: Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 – A Golden Elixir!

Wine Review: Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 – A Golden Elixir!

In the hush of a lazy winter afternoon, when the sun dips low and the air cradles memories, it is time to open up a bottle of Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023. A wine that is an alchemy of sun-soaked vineyards and whispered secrets. Just close your eyes for a moment and imagine the following: rustic veranda, all bathed in golden hues as the warm winter sun is making its way to the horizon. As you settle down to get comfy, the wicker chair creaks, your utter a soft sigh… releasing the days stress and anxieties.

The world slows and you become a part of the sun’s gentle descent. As the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 unfurls, you raise the glass…. and time slows down. The first sip… What an exquisite revelation! It is like a whispered secret shared between old friends.

The wine glides across your palate, each note harmonizing with the other. And in this very quiet moment, you taste the sun, the soil, the very heartbeat of the vine. When the last drop lingers, a promise of another summer is yet to come.

You close your eyes, savoring the last bit of winter warmth. As the lazy winter afternoon stretches into evening, you move inside. Only to find a cozy well-lit fire, near the dinner table. Surrounded with friends all enjoying a glass of Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 and mouthwatering Risotto for dinner.

My Boozy Kitchen Personal Review: Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023

The Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 is a true gem of a wine. It is wine that leaves a lasting impression. It has become one of my favourite Chardonnays. In this review, we’ll explore its nuances, aromas, and the winemaking techniques that makes this wine a super star!

• Wine of Origin: Robertson Valley
• Cultivar: 100% Chardonnay Grapes
• Sweetness: Off Dry White Wine
• Acidity: Medium Acidity
• Body: Medium Plus Body
• Flavour intensity: Pronounced
• Finish: Long

Appearance:

The Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 pours a pale golden hue into a glass reminding you of summer wheat fields. The crystal-clear clarity suggests meticulous winemaking skills.

The Nose:

As the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 graces the glass, a delicate ballet of aromas unfolds—a prelude to the sensory journey ahead. Bursting with sun-ripened peaches and juicy nectarines, it invites you to swirl of complex layers.

Citrus Blossoms that release notes of zesty oranges, limes and floral lemon verbena, like sunbeams filtered through citrus leaves. A playful leap that awakes the palate with its vibrant zing. Soft hints of vanilla and a soft gentle hug of oak, a memory of barrels kissed by time.

Floral notes of Honeysuckle reminiscing of sun-drenched afternoons. You will find an exotic whirl of Passion Fruit. As a final bow and the curtain falls, butterscotch lingers—an echo of golden memories.

What does the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 taste like:

As the wine graces the glass, a balanced acidity dances on the palate, echoing the delicate aromas. Here’s the refined tasting experience:

Ripe and juicy stone fruits—peaches and nectarines—usher memories of lazy summer days, despite the winter’s chill. But within the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 lies a secret, a gentle nod of indulgence: a subtle note of butterscotch, hinting at caramelized butter and toffee.

As you sip, the mouthfeel transports you to sun-drenched afternoons in a secret garden. Honeysuckle and lemon blossoms weave delicate threads, adding elegance to each moment. An unexpected twist that swirl in the mouth – dried pineapples. A tropical twist that melds seamlessly with the subtle oak, creating a harmonious balance.

The wine’s creamy depth invites an exploration, while a smooth and velvety creamed honey notes adds an enchantment to the wine… while a zesty lemon twist keeps it fresh. Providing a contrast that lingers on the palate.

The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a gentle warmth and a desire for another sip, as it’s summer in a bottle.

Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 Food Pairing

Enjoy this rich wine, well chilled with fine dining. This is a very versatile wine and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods – fish, pork, soufflés and with cheese platters.

In the symphony of flavors of the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023, I found my perfect accompaniment! Just think a creamy and mouthwatering Chorizo, Exotic Forest Mushrooms, and Dalewood’s Huguenot Cheese Risotto. Each spoonful tangoed harmoniously with the wine, creating a melodious crescendo on my palate. The recipe will follow soon, promising a culinary duet worth savoring.

Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 in the making:

The Terrior

• Terroir: Slope: Very gently, southerly
• Soil: Rocky, chalk-rich
• Climate: Moderate summer with low night temperatures, cold winter
• Wind: Cool south-easterly (summer)

Oenology

Soaked on cold skins for up to 24 hours. Juice withdrawn and skins lightly pressed. Decanted into barrels directly after yeast inoculation. Bâtonnage for duration of barrel maturation. Malolactic in barrels.

Maturation

Fermented in French 500ℓ oak barrels and matured in barrel on the lees for 7 months.

Zandvleit’s Commitment to Sustainability

It is very important to know what the wine farms are doing in order to look after our beautiful earth. After embracing the Good Life Show my goal going forward is to be more responsible and aware of where our products come from. It is a start and I believe every little bit helps.

You see my dear wine loving friends, Zandvliet Vleeswaren places a high priority on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aiming to optimize the sustainability of all their operations. This commitment involves balancing social, ecological, and financial factors—often referred to as people, planet, and profit.

Here are some key aspects of their sustainability efforts:

1. Motivated and Productive Co-workers:
   • Zandvliet strives to be an attractive employer, fostering motivation among its employees. Motivated teams contribute to increased productivity.
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2. Health-Conscious Products:
   • Their products are crafted with health in mind. They minimize saturated fat, salt, and sugar content while maintaining great taste.
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3. Allergy-Friendly Approach:
   • Zandvliet aims to make products suitable for everyone, including those with allergies. They minimize E numbers, additives, and allergens.
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4. Waste Minimization:
   • The company closely monitors waste production. Minimizing packaging reduces waste and transportation needs.
   • They use cardboard packaging compliant with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.

Zandvliet’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond profit, embracing social well-being and environmental stewardship. Is this not even more of an excellent reason to be drinking ANY of Zandvleit wines?

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold – 2023 – Michelangelo
• Silver outstanding – Veritas – 2023
• 3.5 Stars – 2018 Vintage -2023 Platter’s Wine Guide (awarded in 2022)
• Double Gold – 2021 National Wine Challenge
• 4 Stars – 2021 Platter’s Wine Guide (awarded in 2020)
• 4 Stars – 2020 Platter’s Wine Guide (awarded in 2019)
• 4 Stars – 2019 Platter’s Wine Guide (awarded in 2018)
• Gold -2019 Vitis Vinifera Awards

My final thoughts…

As the night deepens, laughter dances around the dinner table—a symphony of shared stories and cherished memories. Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023, a faithful dinner companion, weaves its own tale, each sip echoing the warmth of camaraderie.

Finally, as the evening draws its curtain, we have one last lingering sip. Reflecting on the craftsmanship and the artistry of the vine. Appreciating that the Zandvliet Chardonnay 2023 is yet another outstanding vintage that transcends time. May this vintage linger in your memories, like the last drop of summer sun.