Radford Dale Chardonnay 2019 Bottle size: 750ml
South Africa, Stellenbosch
R350
'Burgundy nut Alex Dale has shifted the style of his Stellenbosch Chardonnay in recent years from Meursault to Chablis, as it were. Low in alcohol, with pear, lemon and subtle cinnamon spice, this is long, refreshing and a pleasure to drink. The opposite of a one-glass wine. Drink 2021-25.' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 93/100
'Lemon, oatmeal and a hint of reduction on the nose while the palate shows pure fruit and zippy acidity before a gently savoury finish. Not without texture even though the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation and batonage is eschewed.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 91/100
'Barrel-fermented 2019 shows toasty oatmeal, cinnamon & clove from the oak, 15% new, mingling with lively citrus notes & fresh herbs. 9 months on lees add intensity & texture to mid-palate. Well balanced, food friendly. 13% alcohol. Also in 1.5L, as next.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (90/100)
'Like all the Radford Dale wines, the bottle seems heavier than necessary. Subtle, creamy/mealy aroma with a touch of spice. The fruit is citrus and melon but it's the oak that gives the character. Classy, fresh, oaked Chardonnay. The main impression is well-matched fruit and barrel, rather than site, though it has excellent freshness, hidden by the depth and weight of fruit. I find this slightly heavy and would therefore suggest it needs to be well-chilled. Given the acidity and early harmony, it should age well and become more interesting.' – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20
'With strong influence of Alex Dale’s upbringing in Burgundy, the making of this Chardonnay is also adapted to our particular conditions in this ocean-facing part of the Cape – our mineral geology and temperate maritime climate both lending much to the equation. Restraining acidity, citrus flavours and integrated oaking, the introverted side of its character; ripeness and great persistence on the palate the more expansive side. Genuinely mineral, with a crisp limecitrus edge and an elegant yet intense durability. A Chardonnay striving to be individual, focused on backbone and not butter.' – Winemaker
'Lemon, oatmeal and a hint of reduction on the nose while the palate shows pure fruit and zippy acidity before a gently savoury finish. Not without texture even though the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation and batonage is eschewed.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 91/100
'Barrel-fermented 2019 shows toasty oatmeal, cinnamon & clove from the oak, 15% new, mingling with lively citrus notes & fresh herbs. 9 months on lees add intensity & texture to mid-palate. Well balanced, food friendly. 13% alcohol. Also in 1.5L, as next.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (90/100)
'Like all the Radford Dale wines, the bottle seems heavier than necessary. Subtle, creamy/mealy aroma with a touch of spice. The fruit is citrus and melon but it's the oak that gives the character. Classy, fresh, oaked Chardonnay. The main impression is well-matched fruit and barrel, rather than site, though it has excellent freshness, hidden by the depth and weight of fruit. I find this slightly heavy and would therefore suggest it needs to be well-chilled. Given the acidity and early harmony, it should age well and become more interesting.' – Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20
'With strong influence of Alex Dale’s upbringing in Burgundy, the making of this Chardonnay is also adapted to our particular conditions in this ocean-facing part of the Cape – our mineral geology and temperate maritime climate both lending much to the equation. Restraining acidity, citrus flavours and integrated oaking, the introverted side of its character; ripeness and great persistence on the palate the more expansive side. Genuinely mineral, with a crisp limecitrus edge and an elegant yet intense durability. A Chardonnay striving to be individual, focused on backbone and not butter.' – Winemaker
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 13% |
| Body | Light to medium-bodied |
| Blend information | 100% Chardonnay |
| Drink to | Drink or cellar |
| Variety | Chardonnay |
| Rating | TA 93 |
| Technical analysis | RS: 2.2 g/L | TA: 7.2 g/L | PH: 3.14 |
| Producer information | Alex Dale and Ben Radford are the founders of Radford Dale. Alex and his team produce only the most individual, terroir-focused wines under the Radford Dale range. They own some vineyards but also co-managing parcels of the best vines with growers in other regions. They follow a minimal intervention winemaking approach and their dedication to nature, geology and climate is beautifully expressed in their wines. |
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FREE SHIPPING:
Available on all orders over R1,500, excluding event tickets. The expected delivery times are the same as 'Standard door-to-door' below.
STANDARD DOOR-TO-DOOR:
Shipping fees are calculated on the delivery ‘street code’ provided during checkout.
- Cape Town & surrounds: 1 – 2 working days
- Joburg, Pretoria, PE & Bloemfontein: 3 – 4 working days
- Durban & regional areas: 4 – 5 working days
COLLECTION (Cape Town only):
Orders are available for free collection at our Cape Town office only. You will be notified as soon as your order is ready for collection.
CELLARING:
Wine Cellar offers professional wine storage at our premises in Cape Town. If you are not an existing cellaring client, please view our rates and set up an account by visiting our cellaring page.
JOHANNESBURG ONR:
For this special overnight road service, orders must be placed before 13h00 SAST. The order will be delivered by the close of business the following working day.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
We use a third party courier for international shipping. Please contact info@winecellar.co.za for the rates and delivery options.
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