2023 Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay, Shaw's Mountain, Western Cape, South Africa

Pale gold. A tense and energetic expression. Lime leaf, nori and lemongrass on the nose with an appealing hint of peat-like reduction. The palate is bright and citric, with a complementary richness and texture from light honey, making for a mouth-coating and sumptuous finish. An appropriately ferrous undertone runs throughout, reflecting the iron-rich shale and clay soils of the vineyard. Length, layers and longevity. Tim Atkin MW scored this wine 93 points in his South Africa Special Report 2024.