2023 Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay

93 POINTS

James Suckling

Lemon rind, fresh pears, smoked nuts and buttered toast on the nose of this lively and spicy chardonnay. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy, flavorful and persistent palate. Sustainable. Drink now or hold. Screw cap

92 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2023 Chardonnay Five Soldiers comes from two clones within a single vineyard at roughly 400 meters above sea level on a wind-exposed site. It was whole-bunch-pressed, barrel-fermented and aged for 15 months in 65-70% new French oak (the staves here are bent by water rather than over fire, thus imparting less wood tannin.) It has a cool, quite aloof bouquet at first, demanding coaxing. Citrus peel, orchard fruit and light orange blossom scents emerge with time. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity and fine concentration, not amazingly complex per se, yet it has a delightful finish of Clementine and peach. You could drink this now, but it will keep for a decade.