Winemaker Notes
Gravel soils originating from mountain rock rich in limestone and clay with a high pH allow this single vineyard Chardonnay to portray a spectrum of flavors framed in elegance and complexity, typical features of a classic Chardonnay. Citrus and pear-drop notes are complemented by an intriguing nuttiness, with elegant citrus on the finish. The Bateleur improves in dimension and complexity with age and under the correct storage conditions it can mature in the bottle for many years.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Grilled pineapple, lemon curd, baked oats and smoked almonds on the nose. Crushed shells, too. Full-bodied with a creamy texture. Flavorful, subtly smoky and vibrant palate. Sustainable.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Looking back at some older vintages, the 1993 Bateleur Chardonnay wasn’t showing as fresh or as vibrant as it should. However, the 2018 Bateleur Chardonnay begins with a broad-shouldered and open-knit expression, just beginning to offer a soft kiss of Meyer lemon and lemon meringue aromas. Medium-bodied, the palate offers a creamy mouthfeel with bright acidity before ending with a long, creamy finish. I recommend decanting for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This will continue to age gracefully for the next six to seven years.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Within the Breede River Valley in South Africa, Robertson is a warm and dry winegrowing region notable for its white wines. The region is home to an increasing number of estates and cooperatives.