Vergelegen Wine Estate’s Chardonnay Reserve 2023 has achieved the prestigious five-star rating in the 45th edition of Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide. This accolade highlights the estate’s commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality.

The Chardonnay Reserve 2023, a barrel-fermented masterpiece, features a lemony, yellow-green hue and intricate flavours of zesty citrus, spice, delicate citrus blossoms, and buttered toast.

Craftsmanship Behind the Chardonnay

The wine is crafted from grapes sourced across Vergelegen’s diverse vineyards:

• Schaapenberg Vineyard: Known for its shale soils, contributing linearity and minerality.
• Granitic Soils: Imparting texture to the varietal.
• Alluvial Soils: Adding floral and aromatic qualities.

"Crafting this Chardonnay has been a labour of love, and we're delighted to see it recognised with five stars. It reflects the flair and precision of our team,” says Luke O’Cuinneagain, winemaker at Vergelegen. This vintage also marked the first year of winemaking under his leadership at the 324-year-old estate.

Additional Highlights from Vergelegen

Five more Vergelegen wines received 4.5-star ratings, further showcasing the estate’s excellence:

• Estate Red 2021
• V 2019 (highly recommended wines scoring 94 points)
• Estate White 2023
• Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021
• MMV Brut Cap Classique 2020

“Achieving these top ratings in the Platter’s Guide is a testament to the dedication and passion of our viticultural and winemaking teams. We are proud to see Vergelegen's wines recognised among South Africa’s finest," says Wayne Coetzer, managing director of Vergelegen.

About Platter’s Guide

The 45th edition of Platter’s Guide includes over 7,000 locally produced wines, as well as brandies, husk spirits, and sherry-style wines. Renowned for its expert descriptions and ratings, the guide serves as a trusted resource for wine enthusiasts.

Vergelegen’s Commitment to Excellence

Beyond accolades, Vergelegen is celebrated for its sustainability and biodiversity-focused winemaking. The estate unveiled a series of new wine labels in August to reflect its revised wine portfolio.

Where to Buy

Vergelegen wines are available at leading retailers, the estate itself, and via their online shop.

• Online Store: https://vergelegen.co.za/shop-wine/
• Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Five-Star Excellence!
Vergelegen Wine Estate’s Chardonnay Reserve 2023 receives a prestigious five-star rating in the Platter’s Guide 2025! Celebrate the dedication and craftsmanship of Vergelegen’s winemaking team with this exceptional barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Discover more about their award-winning wines: https://vergelegen.co.za/shop-wine/ #VergelegenWines #PlatterGuide2025 #ChardonnayReserve2023 #AwardWinningWines #SouthAfricanWine #mypressportal #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southafrica