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2023 Chardonnay 'Clonal Selection', Kershaw Wine Republic

2023 Chardonnay 'Clonal Selection', Kershaw

Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa

Elgin Tension

Refined, quietly expressive and full of energy, this Chardonnay brings together citrus brightness, delicate perfume and the understated richness of carefully judged oak. Lemon and fresh pear unfold alongside white flowers and chamomile, with a smoky flint character adding intrigue. As it opens, hints of oatmeal, gentle toast and spice emerge beneath the fruit, while a chalky mineral edge keeps everything beautifully focused.

The palate balances supple texture with vibrant acidity, giving the wine depth without heaviness. Citrus and orchard fruit build through the middle, framed by discreet oak and a savoury freshness that makes the next sip irresistible. It is poised and persistent, finishing with lingering lemon, subtle spice and a refreshing mineral impression. A rewarding choice for lovers of finely balanced white Burgundy, with plenty of pleasure now and the structure to develop further complexity over the next few years.

For when: The evening calls for something quietly impressive in your best white-wine glasses.

Pairs with: Pan-roasted turbot with beurre blanc, scallops with cauliflower purée, roast chicken with tarragon cream, grilled pork loin with sage butter, crab linguine, or mature Comté.

Clonal Selection explores how different forms of Chardonnay contribute texture, fragrance and structure to a finished wine. Richard Kershaw matches these selections to individual vineyard sites, keeping the components separate before blending. The result captures Elgin’s cool-climate character while bringing together complementary expressions of the same grape.

Whats in the bottle
100% Chardonnay

Notable Awards
94 points, Tim Atkin MW

£52.95 - £52.95
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£52.95 - £52.95
£52.95
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British-born Richard Kershaw began his working life as a chef before pursuing wine, gaining experience in California, Chile, Bordeaux, Hungary and Germany. He settled in South Africa in 1999, became a Master of Wine in 2011 and founded Kershaw Wines in 2012. Chardonnay and Syrah were his original focus, with Pinot Noir joining the range in 2015.

Elgin provides the cool conditions central to his approach. An elevated valley surrounded by mountains and influenced by the nearby ocean, it benefits from cool nights and a long growing season. Its varied soils, including Bokkeveld shale and Cartref, offer different settings in which carefully selected grape clones can develop their individual personalities.

Richard works with oenologist Dudley Wilson, combining close attention to vineyard detail with restrained handling in the cellar. Parcels are separated by clone and soil, and barrel choices are tailored to the character of each batch. Regular tasting throughout maturation guides the final blends, producing wines distinguished by their clarity, finely judged oak and layered expression of Elgin.

Made from 100% Chardonnay selected from eleven small Elgin parcels, using clones CY96, CY95, CY76, CY277 and CY548. Grapes were hand-picked between 10 February and 15 March 2023.

Whole bunches were gently pressed, with the unsettled juice transferred by gravity into barrels. Fermentation began spontaneously without added yeast or enzymes and continued until dry. Malolactic fermentation was discouraged to preserve freshness.

Each clone and soil combination was vinified separately. Maturation lasted eleven months in 228-litre French oak barrels from Burgundian coopers, with 34% new oak, before racking, blending and bottling.

Alcohol: 13.13%. Residual sugar: 2g/L. Total acidity: 7.7g/L. pH: 3.19. Recommended drinking window: 2025–2031.

Wine-Searcher Retailer Awards 2026/27 Gold, Overall List in Cardiff