2021 Tesselaarsdal, Chardonnay, South Africa

93 points, Tim Atkin MW
“Year on year, Berene Sauls’ production is growing, reflecting the success of her brand. 2021 marks the third vintage of her impressive Chardonnay, sourced from La Vierge’s vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fresh and zesty, with subtle wild yeast and oatmeal aromas, citrus and clementine flavors, and a focused finish. 2023-28”

91 points, Vinous
“The 2021 Chardonnay omes from a single block in Babylon Vineyards in dry-farmed vineyards, picked close to the beginning of March, aged in amphora and neutral oak. It has a delightful bouquet with purity and focus, light orange pith and mango notes, and soft floral scents emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with tropical hints on the entry, and fine acidity with a slightly honeyed yet tensile finish. Very fine.”

91 points, Wine Spectator
A vivacious white, with a snappy mix of Gala apple, kiwi fruit, macadamia nut and blood orange granita flavors that expand on the lightly chalky and balanced, medium-bodied frame. Drink now through 2025.”

• South Africa – Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay • Tesselaarsdal produces refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, combining cool-climate finesse with a pioneering and inclusive vision in South African wine. Founded in 2015 by Berene Sauls, a protégé of Hamilton Russell, Tesselaarsdal represents one of the first Black female-owned wine brands in South Africa. The name pays homage to the hamlet of Tesselaarsdal where Berene was born, while the wines reflect her pioneering spirit and dedication to site expression. The estate focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, drawing fruit from unirrigated vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This sub-zone sits at higher elevation than the Valley below and is defined by ancient Bokkeveld Shale-derived clay soils, maritime breezes from the nearby Atlantic, and sharp day-night temperature shifts. These conditions naturally limit yields, preserve acidity, and lend the wines precision, minerality, and freshness. The Ridge is known for producing finely structured, elegant wines with depth and tension, and Tesselaarsdal captures that signature in every vintage. The wines are elegant, pure, and finely tuned, showing balance and restraint alongside distinctive site character. More than just quality, Tesselaarsdal’s story symbolizes progress and inclusivity within South Africa’s wine industry, carrying forward a legacy that is both cultural and viticultural.