At the start of the 2026 wine year, Decanter, the world’s leading authority on fine wine, revealed its Top 100 Wines of the Year for 2025. Rather than rewarding scores alone, the list represents Decanter’s regional highlights for the year, with each editor selecting five standout wines from their area of expertise, all awarded 95 points or more, to reflect the depth, diversity, and character of the global wine landscape.
In 2025, more than 2,999 wines achieved scores of 95 points or higher, underscoring the rarity of being chosen among the final Top 100.
The inclusion of Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023 with a 97 point rating underscores the growing international acclaim for this highly collectable, cool-climate South African Chardonnay, celebrated for its clarity of coastal expression and nuanced mineral character.
In the Glass: Focus, Precision, and Terroir
The Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay is the ultimate barrel selection, showcasing the maritime influence and cool-climate conditions of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Natural acidity, fine mineral tension, and subtle saline notes give the wine energy, elegance, and length, allowing its vibrant fruit and textural complexity to shine without heaviness.
On the nose, citrus peel, yellow apple, and stone fruit are layered with flinty nuances and seamlessly integrated oak. The palate reveals ripe stone fruit, crushed almonds, and a delicate jasmine floral finish, hallmarks of Whalehaven’s distinctive coastal terroir.
Roger Jones, writing for Decanter, praised the wine for its “Great purity and focus. Luscious, delicate. Reminds me of Meursault. Nutty, classy. Gun flint, then lime for a fresh finish.”
International Acclaim
The inclusion of the Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023 into Decanter’s Top 100 Wines of the Year and 97 point score from the Decanter Panel Tasting builds on Whalehaven’s exceptional track record on the global stage, including:
- "Master" medal, the highest accolade at The Global Chardonnay Masters 2025, conducted by The Drinks Business.
- International Wine Challenge Trophy for Hemel-en-Aarde & highest scoring South African White Wine at 96 Points, alongside one other.
Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2023 has affirmed its place among the definitive expressions of South African cool-climate Chardonnay. Already sold out in South Africa and released on allocation to select markets including Denmark, Japan, the UK and Sweden, it is available to discerning UK collectors via Amathus Drinks.
To read the full article, visit Decanter.com.