Waterford Estate Chardonnay Single Vineyard 2022

The Waterford Estate Chardonnay Single Vineyard 2022 is a refined, site-driven Chardonnay produced from the estate’s single Chardonnay vineyard planted in 1988. Situated in the coolest part of Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch, the vineyard is rooted in red clay and granite soils, conditions particularly well suited to producing Chardonnay with freshness, concentration and pronounced mineral character.

Significantly, Chardonnay is the only white grape variety planted on Waterford Estate, making this wine a particularly focused expression of the property. The vineyard is harvested by hand across approximately eight separate pickings, allowing each parcel to be brought into the cellar at optimum ripeness.

Whole-bunch pressing, barrel fermentation and extended maturation in French oak produce a Chardonnay that combines stone fruit and floral aromatics with integrated oak, vibrant acidity and a distinctive saline, chalky finish.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright golden straw with subtle green highlights.

Nose: Elegant and mineral-driven, opening with white peach, nectarine, melon and stone fruit. Delicate citrus blossom and honeysuckle provide aromatic lift, while subtle green olive leaf and flinty notes add complexity.

Palate: Focused and beautifully textured. White peach and nectarine are supported by fresh citrus and a pronounced mineral character. The French oak is restrained and well integrated, adding depth and texture without masking the purity of the fruit.

Finish: Long, fresh and precise, with vibrant acidity carrying flavours of stone fruit into a chalky, mineral and subtly saline finish.

Awards & Accolades

The 2022 vintage has received excellent recognition:

• 92 Points – Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Special Report 2025
• 4.5 Stars – Platter’s Wine Guide 2026

Food Pairing

An excellent match for grilled line fish, lobster, prawns, roast chicken, pork, creamy seafood dishes and mushroom risotto. Its acidity and saline character also make it particularly well suited to oysters and other shellfish.

Technical Details

• Producer: Waterford Estate
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: South Africa
• Region: Stellenbosch
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyard: Single vineyard planted in 1988
• Soils: Red clay and granite
• Harvesting: Hand-harvested across approximately 8 separate pickings
• Pressing: Gentle whole-bunch pressing
• Fermentation: 300L French oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Maturation: Approximately 11 months in total
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/L
• Total Acidity: 4.5 g/L
• pH: 3.5
• Bottle Size: 750ml