A Vintage Victory
Celebrating our Chardonnay of the Year – Platter’s 2024
A truly exceptional accolade, the Delaire Graff Estate Terraced Block Reserve 2022 has been named Chardonnay of the Year by Platter’s – a highly-respected guide to South Africa’s wines and estates.
Classically crafted by Winemaker Morné Vrey, it features grapes from just one single vineyard block on the Estate. The result is a rarefied chardonnay as complex and diverse as the site from where it originates, which, being dramatically contoured and sloped, encapsulates a vast flavour spectrum from varying exposure to the vibrant African sunshine.
“From the very beginning this wine showed exceptional promise, and as our wine-making journey progressed, we knew that this would be a remarkable vintage. We are delighted for our Delaire Graff Estate Terraced Block Reserve 2022 to have been recognised by Platter’s in this way – which is a testament to the dedication, passion and expertise of our entire Estate team.”
Morné Vrey, Winemaker at Delaire Graff Estate
The growing season for the 2022 vintage was uncharacteristically cold and wet, which resulted in good dormancy in the vines, while a warm, early January brought the ripening period forward. Each beautifully concentrated berry was then handpicked in the cool early morning while at optimal ripeness. Following extensive and meticulous sorting, each bunch was pressed and barrel-fermented for 14 days. Maturation occurred in 40% new French barrels for 10 months, with no batonage or malolactic fermentation to retain freshness.
The outcome is an expressive bouquet of smoky floral notes within the subtlety of peach and citrus. On the palate, almonds, pears and passion fruit are supported by crisp acidity and fine spicy minerality, which is a refined reminiscence of the soil in which the grapes were grown.
Complete list of Platter’s Awards for Delaire Graff Estate in 2024
Terraced Block Reserve Chardonnay 2022 – 96 points
Cape Vintage 2021 – 96 points
White Reserve 2021 – 95 points
Laurence Graff Reserve 2020 – 94 points
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2020 – 94 points
The Banghoek 2019 – 93 points
Sunrise Brut Méthode Cap Classique NV – 88 points
Banghoek Reserve Merlot 2021 – 88 points
Sunburst Noble Late Harvest 2021 – 87 points
Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023 – 86 points
