Oak Valley Tabula Rasa CY548 2021

Oak Valley is a highly regarded winery in Elgin, South Africa, known for producing elegant, cool-climate wines that showcase purity, complexity, and a strong sense of place. Their Tabula Rasa CY548 Chardonnay 2021 is a limited-production, terroir-driven wine crafted from a single clone of Chardonnay (CY548), carefully selected for its ability to produce wines of depth, structure, and minerality. The 2021 vintage benefited from a long, cool growing season, allowing for slow, even ripening, which resulted in a wine of exceptional balance, tension, and finesse.

Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Elgin, one of South Africa’s most celebrated Chardonnay-producing regions, this wine reflects the region’s granite-rich soils and maritime influence, which enhance freshness and minerality. The grapes were hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, followed by fermentation in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete eggs, contributing to both texture and complexity. Extended lees ageing with bâtonnage has added richness while maintaining precision and energy.

Appearance Pale gold with a brilliant, crystalline clarity and subtle greenish hues. The wine’s brightness and slow-moving, well-defined legs suggest both concentration and a refined acidity, reflecting its cool-climate origins.

Aroma Highly expressive, with aromas of lemon curd, white peach, and green apple, layered with delicate floral notes of chamomile and orange blossom. Subtle hints of wet stone, toasted hazelnut, and flinty minerality add depth and sophistication, revealing the wine’s time on lees and its precise oak integration.

Taste Linear and focused, with vibrant acidity framing flavours of citrus zest, pear, and yellow plum. The mid-palate reveals a beautifully textured creaminess, balanced by chalky minerality and savoury complexity. Gentle notes of almond skin, brioche, and a saline edge contribute to the wine’s elegance and layered depth. The oak is seamlessly integrated, providing structure without overpowering the purity of fruit.

Finish Exceptionally long and precise, leaving a lingering impression of citrus peel, crushed limestone, and a hint of toasted spice. The wine’s natural tension and finesse ensure both immediate appeal and long-term ageing potential.

Food Pairing Grilled langoustines with lemon butter enhance the wine’s saline minerality and crisp acidity. A creamy wild mushroom risotto highlights its texture and subtle oak influence, creating a harmonious and refined pairing.