Tuesday, 29 October 2024 saw the judging for the Chardonnay Challenge 2024 taking place. Hosted annually by Events by Celia, this year's tasters were Carrie Adams, Christine Rudman, and Janine Van Zyl. The tasting was done blind with no disclosure of vintage or vinification. Independent auditing of the tasting was carried out by Cecil Kilpin Auditors.
Chair report by Carrie Adams
The line up of the Chardonnay Challenge 2024 comprised mainly of 2022 and 2023 Chardonnays and some 2024. It delivered the two main styles of Chardonnay that we are growing accustomed to from South Africa. Namely somewhat flinty, mineral and linear as opposed to a more lemony/limey/grapefruit style. And, of course, oaked vs unoaked.
Chardonnay is emerging as an extremely strong white contender in this country and with just one or two exceptions the wines were clean, bright, well put together and extremely good value for money given the quality. Each year when I taste Chardonnay I am reminded of the upward trajectory of this variety. South Africa is really good at making Chardonnay!
As I mentioned, most of the wine was oaked but careful and intelligent use of oak is making such a difference to this category. One or two very well made in the big, bold, buttery style but done in such a way as to entice you into another and another sip! Really delicious. Even in the presence of oak, the fruit shone through in the category, and I would seriously urge the South African public to toss out any previous ABC (anything but chardonnay) attitudes and spend the holiday season exploring and discovering this lovely category.
Thanks to Celia Gilloway for organising another successful tasting event that really does offer regular, reliable results for everyman.
My last tasting for the year, so a good time to wish the entire wine industry and wine-drinking public a very happy festive season and safe summer holidays!
Results of the Chardonnay Challenge 2024
Gold
- Highlands Road Chardonnay 2020
- Lynx Chardonnay 2023
- Stellenzicht Acheulean Chardonnay 2024
- Stellenzicht Thunderstone Chardonnay 2024
- Survivor Cellar Master Series Chardonnay 2022
- Survivor Chardonnay (Elgin) 2022
- Villiersdorp 1922 Heritage Range Mosko 2023
- Villiersdorp Chardonnay 2024
- Vredenheim M'Lord Chardonnay 2023
- Weltevrede Place of Rocks Chardonnay 2023
- Weltevrede Poets Prayer Chardonnay 2023
- Whalehaven Sandstone Strata Chardonnay 2021
- Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023
For more information on the Chardonnay Challenge and other wine competitions by Events by Celia, contact Celia Gilloway on celia@eventsbycelia.com.