2012 Glenelly "Grand Vin" Chardonnay Stellenbosch South Africa
SKU #1134970
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright, pale yellow. Knockout nose combines stone fruits, nutmeg, marzipan, almond butter and dusty herbs. Supple, layered and deep, but with sneaky acidity intensifying the flavors of green melon, musky citrus fruits and brown spices. Finishes firm and long, with lovely lingering perfume. This impeccably balanced wine looks to be the best chardonnay release to date from Glenelly.
(5/2013)
90 points
Wine Spectator
A solid, focused style, showing a light toast shading to the core of pear, yellow apple and melon flavors. Features a lingering brioche note, with good length on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported. (JM)
(7/2013)
K&L Notes
When the indefatigable May-Elaine de Lencquesaing purchased the 128-hectare Glenelly Estate in 2003, a new chapter opened up for her upon the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. The following year, 60 hectares of red and five hectares of white grape varieties were planted. While the vines were being established, they built a state-of-the-art winery that became operational in 2009. The first release was a Cape Blend from imported grapes, but they didn't hit their stride until after the appointment of Luke O’Cuinneagain, who had worked at Chateau Angelus, Screaming Eagle and Rustenberg, plus the consultancy of Adi Badenhorst. She will be giving her old Deuxieme Cru a run for its money soon (and let's not even think about comparing prices!)
