(2019) The same vineyard that produced the 2008 tasted alongside. Very light, just a touch of minerals and soft leafy herbs, but no astringent greenness. Real fruit sweetness, a brilliant bold citrus, edging into tropical, and then the sheer acidity pushing through.
(2019) Nine months French and American oak. Big, buttery golden Chardonnay, plenty of golden sweet fruit, toast and creaminess. Fabulously old school, but great fun if you hanker after that style. No UK stockists at time of review.
(2015) This Chardonnay is joined by 10% of Chenin Blanc, fermented on its skins, helping with the very punchy aromatics of green apples, from soils that have limestone in patches. Really zingy, and vibrant, that extra lift of grip and the Chenin skin edge of tannin makes it fruity, but very tangy with a lick of salt.
(2003) From the baking-hot inland region of Robertson, where Sauvignon supremos Springfield Estate are also based, this has a very pale green colour and an enticing nose of mineral, salts and lime-zest, with undertones of nettle and gooseberry. On the palate this offers a really punchy, vivid lemon and grapefruit-packed palate, with masses of verve and a piercing quality of fruit and acidity. Much more Loire-like than anything remotely tropical, this is elegant and has plenty of fruit, yet also an unapoligetically austere mineral and citrus tautness. This is my kind of Sauvignon Blanc, and a really nice, well-balanced wine with fine purity and length.
(2002) Gorgeous, opulent, tropical-fruited purity and ripeness beautifully tempered by a distinctive minerality and crisp lemon notes. The palate displays a fine citrus backbone to ripe, mouth-filling fruit, with plenty of vivacious zest, terrific poise, and impeccable balance.
(2002) £4 buys a Chardonnay with no sign of blowsy, overripe tropical fruit, no smothering with oaky custard aromas, no overpowering alcohol that tires the senses. This 12.5% alcohol wine has enough creamy, biscuity richness from the lees ageing to counterbalance tingling fresh lemony fruit. The nose is citrussy, the palate broadens but stays sharp, adding a nutty, oatmeally quality.
(2002) Light and elegant nose of melon and peach with just a background of toasty oak. There's a creaminess and even a lime note too. Lovely rich texture, with juicy, fresh fruit that is quite tangy and bright, showing plenty of vivacious character in the mouth and nice crisp finish. Complex and ageworthy.
(2002) Gorgeous, opulent, tropical-fruited purity and ripeness beautifully tempered by a distinctive minerality and crisp lemon notes. The palate displays a fine citrus backbone to ripe, mouth-filling fruit, with plenty of vivacious zest, terrific poise, and impeccable balance.
(2002) £4 buys a Chardonnay with no sign of blowsy, overripe tropical fruit, no smothering with oaky custard aromas, no overpowering alcohol that tires the senses. This 12.5% alcohol wine has enough creamy, biscuity richness from the lees ageing to counterbalance tingling fresh lemony fruit. The nose is citrussy, the palate broadens but stays sharp, adding a nutty, oatmeally quality.
(2001) Crisp, crunchy, sherbetty nose. Quite fine, not overbearing, with a hint of minerality. Palate has enough sweetness of fruit but also a leafy, gooseberry crunch of acidity. Modest, but balanced and well made.
