The Waterford Estate Chardonnay 2018 is a refined single-vineyard expression, crafted from one of South Africa’s oldest Chardonnay plantings (1988). This wine reflects Waterford’s signature style — restrained, structured, and built to evolve beautifully over time.
In the glass, it shows a bright olive-green hue, opening with lifted aromas of fresh peach pip, lime, and subtle citrus, complemented by a gentle touch of oak spice. On the palate, the wine is tight and focused, with vibrant acidity and a mineral edge derived from its unique soils of red clay and granite. The texture is elegant rather than opulent, with a linear structure and a long, precise finish that speaks to both site and careful winemaking.
This is a Chardonnay that rewards patience, developing greater complexity with time while maintaining freshness and balance.
Perfectly suited to grilled seafood, roast chicken, creamy dishes, and refined cuisine.
In the glass, it shows a bright olive-green hue, opening with lifted aromas of fresh peach pip, lime, and subtle citrus, complemented by a gentle touch of oak spice. On the palate, the wine is tight and focused, with vibrant acidity and a mineral edge derived from its unique soils of red clay and granite. The texture is elegant rather than opulent, with a linear structure and a long, precise finish that speaks to both site and careful winemaking.
This is a Chardonnay that rewards patience, developing greater complexity with time while maintaining freshness and balance.
Perfectly suited to grilled seafood, roast chicken, creamy dishes, and refined cuisine.
The grapes were sourced exclusively from a registered single vineyard planted in 1988, rooted in red clay and granite soils that contribute both structure and minerality. Following harvest, the fruit was fermented in barrel, allowing for subtle oak integration while preserving freshness.
The wine was matured with careful attention to balance, maintaining its tight structure and aromatic precision. The combination of old vines, thoughtful oak use, and a challenging drought vintage resulted in a Chardonnay of lower alcohol, bright acidity, and impressive longevity.
Winemaker: Mark le Roux
The wine was matured with careful attention to balance, maintaining its tight structure and aromatic precision. The combination of old vines, thoughtful oak use, and a challenging drought vintage resulted in a Chardonnay of lower alcohol, bright acidity, and impressive longevity.
Winemaker: Mark le Roux
Waterford Estate was established in 1998 with the intention of producing the very best wines in the country. Being based on the Helderberg Mountain, in Stellenbosch, the Estate excels in producing Red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the main two blending components in their Flagship The Jem.
They chose to use only half of the total 120 hectares of their land for the planting of vines in order to preserve and protect the natural fauna and flora. The Waterford Way is a philosophy that celebrates prosperity, life, food, wine, family and friends, and guides all that they do at Waterford Estate.
They chose to use only half of the total 120 hectares of their land for the planting of vines in order to preserve and protect the natural fauna and flora. The Waterford Way is a philosophy that celebrates prosperity, life, food, wine, family and friends, and guides all that they do at Waterford Estate.
