Kershaw, The Smuggler’s Boot Chardonnay 2023

The Smuggler's Boot Chardonnay 2023 is a distinguished white wine from the Western Cape region of South Africa, produced by the esteemed Kershaw Wines. Founded by Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, the winery is renowned for crafting exceptional cool-climate wines that reflect precision and terroir-driven elegance. The 'Smuggler's Boot' range pays homage to early South African winemakers who, during trade embargoes, smuggled grapevine cuttings into the country by hiding them in their Wellington boots.

The 2023 vintage is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from select vineyards in the Elgin Valley, South Africa's coolest wine-growing region. The grapes are handpicked to ensure optimal ripeness and quality. In the winery, the fruit undergoes whole-bunch pressing to extract pure juice with minimal phenolic extraction. Fermentation is conducted in French oak barrels, 20% of which are new, and the remainder in breathable eggs, with 70% of the fermentation occurring spontaneously with native yeasts. The wine is then aged on its lees for eight months with periodic stirring (bâtonnage) to enhance complexity and mouthfeel.

Appearance: Pale lemon in colour with a brilliant, crystalline clarity. The wine’s light golden core suggests subtle richness, while the bright, green-tinged rim reflects its fresh acidity and youthful vibrancy. A gentle viscosity hints at the wine’s texture and depth.

Aroma: Lifted and expressive, with enticing notes of spice, toast, and citrus. Aromas of ripe yellow peach, golden apple, and lemon zest mingle with delicate floral notes of white jasmine and honeysuckle. Hints of fresh-baked brioche, vanilla bean, and crushed hazelnut add complexity, while a subtle mineral edge brings precision and elegance.

Taste: Fresh and intense on entry, bursting with flavours of crisp green apple, Forelle pear, and juicy nectarine. A vibrant acidity cuts through the richness, balancing the wine’s creamy mid-palate, where layers of lemon curd, toasted almonds, and hints of flinty minerality emerge. A fine, pithy texture from lees ageing adds depth, while subtle oak influence imparts notes of spice, oatmeal, and warm vanilla.

Finish: Long, elegant, and beautifully poised, with lingering citrus and stone fruit notes balanced by a touch of salinity and delicate oak spice. The seamless integration of acidity and texture leaves a lasting impression of finesse and vibrancy, promising excellent ageing potential.

Food Pairing: This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with rich seafood dishes such as seared scallops with a beurre blanc sauce or grilled lobster with garlic butter, where its acidity balances the richness of the dish. It also complements creamy poultry dishes like chicken in a tarragon cream sauce or turkey tetrazzini, enhancing the savoury depth. For a vegetarian option, consider a decadent truffle risotto or wild mushroom tagliatelle, as the wine’s minerality and freshness harmonise with the earthy umami flavours. Best served slightly chilled to showcase its bright fruit and layered complexity.