Iconic wine estate, Boschendal is celebrating an impressive performance at this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC). The Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2016 was awarded stand-out accolades scoring 96 points and securing the title of top South African Chardonnay and Best Elgin Chardonnay for the second year in a row.  

The IWC is accepted as one of the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competitions. The challenge follows a rigorous judging process. Every wine is blind tasted and judged based on its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 judges.

This year Boschendal also garnered Silver for their Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2017, Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Merlot 2015 and Boschendal Appellation Series Sauvignon Blanc 2017.

The Estate’s accolades were part of a stellar performance from South Africa at the wine challenge. South Africa, the eighth largest producer of wine in the world, was awarded 303 medals overall, including 15 gold, 127 silver and 161 bronze.

Holding multiple South African and international awards, Boschendal winemaker and Chardonnay expert Lizelle Gerber says, “Being named the best Chardonnay in South Africa is a very proud moment for us, especially going up against such outstanding wines. To be judged the best and garnering a gold for a second year in a row is an amazing accolade for the estate and our wonderful Chardonnay team. This is one of the reasons we bought Highfield Vineyards in Elgin last year as the grapes we source from there are exceptional.”

IWC’s co-Chair, Oz Clarke, says “Another fantastic year for South Africa at the International Wine Challenge where we saw lots of class across a range of styles. South Africa already has a fantastic reputation for its output of quality wines of great value. Increasingly we’re also seeing new and established winemakers excel with great classic varieties as well as with more unusual grapes.”

Boschendal Appellation Elgin 2016 Chardonnay Tasting Notes:

Vibrant pale gold with a glimmer of green.

On the nose: Expressive grapefruit and Golden Delicious apple aromas detailed with graceful lime blossom, frangipani and white truffle aromas further embellished by discreet vanilla oak spice.

Palate: A generous palate that is powerful yet intricate. Pronounced citrus fruit purity is layered with hints of oak and signature minerality. Finishes with remarkable intensity and length.