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Oak Valley
Oak Valley
Chardonnay & Pinot Triumph: Platinum, 5 Stars And (Potentially) Record-breaking Feat
In August I asked the Platter team if a winery had ever achieved 7x consecutive 5 stars for the same wine. The data analysts at Platter are still churning, but I’d hazard a guess it’s a first. Perhaps Sadie or Mullineux?
From 2016-2023 vintage, our Oak Valley Groenlandberg Chardonnay has achieved this phenomenal feat, a level of consistency that rivals the Malmesbury missile Pieter-Steph Du Toit.
It also won Platinum (97 points) at the Decanter World Wine Awards, one of only two SA wines to get Platinum this year.
Our taster Fiona McDonald wrote, ‘Sumptuous yet nimble & focused 2023 creamy, nutty richness on broad palate braced by citrus acid on the finish.’
We anticipate releasing the 2023 vintage in 8 weeks. As a region, it was fantastic to see Elgin dominate the Chardonnay category with 11/30 (37%) of the 5-stars and also the category winner.
Our 2021 vintage of Tabula Rasa Chardonnay CY548 and Tabula Rasa
Pinot Noir PN114 were also awarded 5 stars last week. The PN115 narrowly missed out.
Even a fancy monarchical reference for the CY548, ‘Just 2 barrels selected for this range. Regal 2021 shows restraint in its subtle offering of cashew cream & lime. Poised, refined & structured.’
And the PN114 described as the ‘Best 2 barrels from single-vineyard site vinified identically to sibling PN115 to highlight clonal differences. 2021 is ethereal & pure, with a lovely tang, maraschino cherry & filigree tannin, thrillingly deft.’
Tim Atkin wrote of PN114, ‘One of a pair of brilliant, small-volume Pinot Noir releases under the Tabula Rasa label, this is the more floral, alluring, and ethereal of the two. Easily handling its 50% new wood, it has savoury tannins, lovely acidity and precision, haunting aromas of hibiscus and wild berries and a palate of goji berry and rooibos tea (95 points).’
There you have it folks, we’ve provided a few options to compliment the festive cheer.
The Table restaurant opened recently so come spend an afternoon with us around the pool and enjoy our consistency in Chardonnay and Pinot excellence!
Take care, Christopher Rawbone-Viljoen
