2018 Quoin Rock Chardonnay

Quoin Rock wines are born in the lush green vineyards of Stellenbosch and Quoin Point, near the southernmost tip of Africa. The Agulhas area where the Boskloof conservation farm is located and where pied buck, springbok, eland and zebra roam and this is the departure point from which some of our most distinctive wines of South Africa originate. This Chardonnay from Quoin Rock has many similarities with a Burgundy or a top chardonnay from Napa Valley. Not surprising since the winemaker Schalk Opperman enjoyed part of his training here.

In the glass, the Quoin Chardonnay is straw yellow with a hint of green. The Quoin Rock Chardonnay is youthful… energetic… lively. This is the first impression of this Chardonnay that further stimulates your senses with notes of ripe citrus and orange zest that give way with some waltz to aromas of vanilla and toasted brioche. On the palate the wine is very elegant, slightly creamy, full bodied and wonderfully balanced with aromas in the very long finish of citrus peel and a light buttery texture. Enjoy every sip of this beautifully balanced wine or pair it with most seafood dishes, crayfish with homemade mayonnaise.

Decanter 90 | Platter 4 1/2 Stars

ABOUT QUEOIN ROCK

Quoin Rock has deep, historical roots, but fate, passion, energy and vision have transformed the old winery. Under the inspiring leadership of the Gaiduk family, 2012 ushered in a new era. The family not only invested in the restoration of the 200-hectare estate, but also in a future in which visitors and guests would be captivated by the wines and gastronomy. Architect Julia Gaiduk created breathtaking design and interior. Denis, Julia, Patriarch Vitaly Gaiduk and their team have created a world class wine estate with a fine dining restaurant. They produce award-winning wines such as the Namysto range and the Quoin Rock range. Winemaker Schalk Opperman made the switch in 2020 to Quoin Rock, one of the best wine estates in Stellenbosch. Nestled in the foothills of the Simonsberg outside Stellenbosch, Quoin Rock Wine Estate was a natural choice for a winemaker of Opperman's caliber. Opperman was drawn to Quoin Rock's wine philosophy, infrastructure, resources and willingness to expand.
Opperman's passion for wine began at school, where he first began studying "the nectar of the Gods". At the end of 2005 he obtained his BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch. His journey through the wine world took him to some of South Africa's top producers and best wine farms. He also went further afield, to the well-known Sonoma wine region in California and Bordeaux in France, where he further developed his passion for Bordeaux varietals.