For those who love Chardonnay, particularly the rich and complex ones, the one offered here at Boschendal is a perfect example. The area of origin, the Western Cape, enjoys ideal conditions for growing quality grapes. We are in Franschhoek, a town surrounded by vineyards, with rolling hills to make the scenery even more beautiful. But let's proceed in order. Boschendal harvests Chardonnay grapes when they reach perfect ripeness, with the right ratio of sugar to acidity. Once in the winery, the grapes are pressed whole cluster and the resulting must is left to rest for about two days. This is followed by fermentation in steel tanks, with the addition of selected yeasts. Part of the wine, about 70 percent of the whole mass, matures in French oak barrels for an additional 10 months. In the cellar, 12 percent of the barrels are new, while the remaining percentage are second or third passage. During this period, the barrels undergo monthly bâtonnage to enhance the wine's distinctiveness. The remaining 30 percent of the mass, however, refines for the same amount of time in steel tanks. The result is a wine that is complex but not overdone, with a good ability to evolve over the years. Even 8 or 10, according to the manufacturer's directions. Intense straw yellow with gold reflections, it reveals itself from the start to be a well-balanced, smooth and beautifully structured wine. In the mouth it is complex, with an obvious appeal to fresh fruit, from citrus to riper tropical fruit. An excellent wine for the whole meal, it goes well with savory fish dishes. Also excellent with white meats, from chicken to rabbit. Also perfect to accompany a vegetarian menu.