Chardonnay - South Africa
Both South Africa and the US rather underdelivered this year. Tasters found wines they liked, but there didn’t seem to be the strength in depth that we’ve seen here over the past couple of years.
Perhaps it’s because, as more than one judge pointed out, many New World countries are still getting to grips with the more linear, reductive style that Australia, in particular, has perfected so well over the past 15 years.
If we had a consistent criticism it’s that we’d like to see more good, workmanlike Chardies under £12. It doesn’t all have to be about making Burgundy cru wannabes. So well done to Kleine Zalze for a FOURTH consecutive gold for the super-cheap Cleefs Reserve.