2023 Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Reserve

Haute Cabrière is a leading winery in Franschhoek, South Africa, with a clear focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate is led by the von Arnim family and builds upon a long tradition dating back to the French Huguenots. That French influence is still visible in the style of the wines, in which balance, freshness, and gastronomic versatility take center stage.

The house is known for its refined approach to Chardonnay, ranging from fresh, unoaked styles to more layered and complex cuvées such as this Réserve. Here, the emphasis is on depth and structure, without losing elegance. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The vineyards of Haute Cabrière are located in Franschhoek, an area known for its relatively cool conditions within South Africa. The location between mountains provides cooling and large temperature differences between day and night. As a result, the grapes retain their freshness while simultaneously developing sufficient ripeness.

The soils consist of granite and sandstone, ensuring good drainage and distinct minerality in the wine. The influence of the ocean contributes to slow, even ripening. In this Réserve, the terroir translates into a combination of ripe fruit, tension, and a precise structure.

Grapes and vineyard management

The 2023 Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Réserve is made from 100% Chardonnay, sourced from the estate's own vineyards in Franschhoek. The grapes are harvested by hand, ensuring careful selection and optimal quality.

Vineyard management is aimed at a balance between ripeness and freshness. The combination of climate and careful selection results in fruit with sufficient concentration and natural acidity. This forms the basis for a wine with both depth and elegance.

Vinification and aging

The vinification of this Chardonnay is based on various techniques to create complexity and structure. The wine is fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel, concrete eggs, and older French oak barrels. This approach ensures a balance between fruit purity, texture, and subtle wood influence.

The use of older oak barrels prevents the wood from dominating, while still providing extra depth and roundness. The concrete eggs contribute to natural micro-oxidation and a lively structure. The wine also undergoes sur lie aging, which provides extra volume and a creamy mouthfeel.

The result is a Chardonnay with layering, precision, and a beautiful integration of all elements.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine has a bright golden-yellow color. The nose opens with floral notes of orange blossom and fresh accents of lime, creating an inviting and refined aroma.

On the palate, the wine offers riper fruit, with notes of yellow stone fruit such as peach and apricot, combined with a subtle influence of oak. The structure is round and layered, yet remains crisp thanks to the fresh acidity.

The finish is precise and long, with a beautiful balance between fruit, minerality, and light spiciness. The wine continues to develop in the glass, revealing more and more detail.

Style and character

The 2023 Chardonnay Réserve from Haute Cabrière is inspired by a Burgundy style, but with its own South African signature. The wine is layered and elegant, with a combination of freshness, ripe fruit, and subtle oak influence.

The character is refined and balanced, with sufficient depth to remain captivating. This makes the wine suitable for both gastronomic use and quiet enjoyment. It pairs well with dishes such as fish, creamy pasta, or dishes with a light butter sauce.

For lovers of Chardonnay with both freshness and structure, this is a very successful and complete wine.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.