The results for the seventh annual Prescient Chardonnay Report have been released and the Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2016, was one of seven wines to score an impressive 93 out of a possible 100 points. There were 91 entries received from 63 producers, which were tasted blind by a three-person panel.

2017 has without a doubt been a stellar year for the Seven Flags Chardonnay. Not only was it awarded the Best Chardonnay in the World at the 2017 Decanter World Wine Awards, but the wine was also rated as Outstanding by three of Britain’s Masters of Wine (MW) in the April issue of the competition’s internationally recognized Decanter magazine. Only five other South African Chardonnays received the same rating out of a total of 120 wines tasted and reviewed for the publication. Not stopping there, the Chardonnay was also listed on the Top 100 SA Wines list as well as a Double Platinum winner at the 2017 National Wine Challenge. In his annual South Africa Special Report, published last month, leading Master of Wine, Tim Atkin scored the wine 95 points.

‘The age old saying that great wines are made in the vineyard is so true, but more so in an older vineyard. The younger vineyards tend to behave like teenagers with a mind of their own, whereas an older vineyard is naturally balanced,’ says Cellar Master Andries Burger of this award-winning varietal. ‘Its roots are settled deep in the soil, allowing it to produce perfectly balanced fruit. These established vineyards are perfect for producing grapes for the Seven Flags Chardonnay.’

Although an early harvest, the 2016 is a vintage with slightly more opulence and richness. Fortunately, the vineyards of the Chardonnay being 29 years old delivered great concentrated fruit balanced with good acidity. The wine is loaded with citrus and tangerine fruit, has a broad and complex mid palate ending with great freshness. Savour every mouthful of this wine on its own, or serve with creamy pasta or seafood dishes.

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