The Producer
The Vondeling Barrel Selection Chardonnay 2024 is one of the estate’s most considered white wines. Vondeling sits on the Voor-Paardeberg road northwest of Paarl, and its Barrel Selection Chardonnay grows in a tiny, tree-lined vineyard tucked into the upper valley of the farm — a protected site chosen for its moderate temperatures, slow ripening, and well-weathered granite soils. Vintage after vintage, the result is a Chardonnay with real tension: structured, full-bodied, and complete.
Vintage & Terroir
The upper-valley site is sheltered from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures — conditions that allow the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving natural acidity and fresh citrus character. Yields are kept deliberately low for good, uniform ripeness. The soil is entirely well-weathered granite.
In the Cellar
Grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness in the early hours of the morning and cold-room chilled overnight. The following day they are whole-bunch pressed — a technique that reduces the absorption of coarse phenolics and retains the grape’s natural vibrancy. The juice goes directly to 300L and 400L French oak barrels without settling. Spontaneous wild-yeast fermentation follows with no sulphur added, and the wine typically undergoes a high degree of malolactic fermentation. It then matures on its yeast lees for seven months, is blended to tank and returned to barrel for a further four months — eleven months in French oak in total — before gentle filtration and bottling.
Tasting Notes
Vibrant golden colour, bright in the glass. The nose opens on sliced pear and peach blossom, woven through with subtle lime and caramelised oats. On the palate: full-bodied but with excellent tension — crisp apple and chalky citrus layered beneath crème brülée and roasted almonds. Refreshing flavours, refined finish. Rated 91/100 — Tim Atkin South Africa Special Report, 2025 (timatkin.com).
Food Pairing
Grilled fish, creamy pasta Alfredo, and fresh salads pair naturally. The wine’s freshness also makes it at home with mild, aromatic curries. Chill well and let the Tribe pour freely.
