Chamonix Estate in Franschhoek might just be one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, but its recent scores in Tim Atkin MW’s 2025 South Africa wine report will no doubt bring the estate deserved recognition. The scores, as always, serve not just as praise but as a quiet endorsement of a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and meticulous craftsmanship.
The headline is the 2023 Chardonnay Reserve, which garnered an impressive 94 points. A wine that exemplifies balance and finesse, it is crafted with the intent of aging and complexity. Neil Bruwer, who has been steering the estate’s wines with quiet confidence, reflects: “These scores are a wonderful affirmation of the effort that goes into each vintage. They tell us that we are expressing the true character of our terraced slopes and mineral-rich soils. It’s not about flashy fruit, but about capturing the essence of our land.”
Chamonix’s commitment to Chardonnay continues to impress. The 2023 Greywacke Chardonnay from Cape Coast, with a solid 90 points, adds another layer of versatility
to their white portfolio. Bruwer notes, “Chardonnay is central to what we do, and these evaluations remind us that the concept of terroir – site, soil, climate – remains paramount. Our aim is always to let the vineyard speak, and these scores are a reflection of that approach.”
The estate’s Old Vine Steen also made an appearance in the report with a commendable 93 points. Steen – or Chenin Blanc – is often considered South Africa’s indigenous treasure, a fact recognised by Atkin’s admiration of the country’s interpretation of this Loire variety. Bruwer describes the 93pt score as “a testament to our heritage with the 60-year-old Chenin Blanc vines revealing character, length, and a real sense of place.” The wine, he adds, “is what I see as a true reflection of our older vineyards and the wise stewardship that sustains them.”
Pinot Noir remains one of those challenging varieties for South Africa, yet Bruwer’s Pinot Noir Reserve scored an admirable 90 points. “Pinot Noir demands finesse, patience, and precise vineyard work,” he says softly. “To see it recognised in this way is encouraging. It’s a reminder that Franschhoek has the potential to produce wines of delicacy and complexity when handled with care.”
What these scores reveal about terroir and craft
The consistent high praise across Chamonix’s portfolio speaks volumes about the estate’s approach, being an alliance of tradition and a healthy curiosity for innovation. Bruwer emphasises the importance of terroir: “Our vineyards sit on varied slopes with diverse soils of limestone, shale, and granite, each imprinting its signature onto the wine. The scores confirm we’re capturing these nuances successfully.”
His philosophy extends beyond simply working in the vineyard. It’s about the holistic management of the land: respecting soil, canopy, and seasonal variation. “Every decision,” Bruwer notes, “aims to promote expression rather than manipulation. The vineyard is our first canvas – what we do there is the foundation for what we get in the glass.”
Looking ahead
Awards, however illustrious they might be, are simply milestones. For Bruwer and his team, they serve as motivation, being a gentle reminder to continue pushing boundaries while maintaining a firm sense of place.
“Our focus remains on crafting wines that age gracefully and truly represent Franschhoek,” he says with a quiet conviction. “The scores speak to that effort, but more so, they narrate the story of this special terroir we are privileged to work with.”
As South Africa’s reputation on the global stage continues to grow, Chamonix’s recent accomplishments serve as a meaningful marker. The estate’s wines embody a careful balance of finesse, strength, and authenticity.
A promising future
Looking forward, it’s difficult not to feel optimistic about what Neil Bruwer and his team can achieve. Their focus on respecting terroir, nurturing vines, and accentuating authenticity positions Chamonix as a key voice in South Africa’s ongoing story of quality. These scores are more than numbers – they are a quiet celebration of the land, of tradition, and of inspired craftsmanship. It is, perhaps, the kind of recognition that whispers rather than shouts, but resonates all the more profoundly.