2025 Rustenberg Chardonnay, Stellenbosch

Rustenberg is one of Stellenbosch’s historic estates, with a winemaking story stretching back to the late seventeenth century. The Barlow family has owned the property since 1941, gradually restoring its vineyards and establishing Rustenberg as a benchmark Cape producer. Chardonnay has become one of its calling cards, delivering remarkable quality for the money and a style that comfortably combines New World fruit with a more restrained, savoury edge.

The vineyards sit on the slopes of the Simonsberg, where elevation, decomposed granite soils and cooling influences help Chardonnay retain freshness despite Stellenbosch’s sunshine. Barrel fermentation and maturation build texture and complexity, but the fruit remains firmly in charge. The 2025 has the generosity you expect from South Africa without slipping into heaviness, making it a very convincing alternative for anyone whose white Burgundy habit is becoming financially inconvenient.

Bright straw with white peach, nectarine and lemon curd, followed by grapefruit and ripe pear. Cashew, toasted almond and a little oatmeal add savoury complexity, with gentle vanilla and flint sitting behind the fruit. The palate is creamy and rounded through the middle, then tightened by fresh citrus acidity. Stone fruit, lemon and roasted nuts carry into a long, lightly smoky finish.

Seared scallops with cauliflower purée and browned butter have enough richness to meet the texture, while grilled snapper, crab linguine, roast pumpkin with hazelnuts or charred corn and zucchini fritters would all work beautifully. 

Cellaring: Drink now to 2034.