Chardonnay Vrede, Storm Wines 2025

A best-ever bottling of Vrede Chardonnay, at least in my book, this is a superb, textured white from a man who has grasped the potential of the exceptional 2025 vintage with both hands. Fermented in 29% new oak with full malolactic, it’s a textured, layered, self-assured wine with notes of lanolin, lemon butter and patisserie spices, a hint of earth from 10% clay amphoras and balanced, mealy finish. 2027-33

Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 29% new. The nose shows lime, lemon and herbs plus hints of nuttiness and dough. Extraordinary purity and presence, lip-smacking acidity and a pithy finish. A wine of considerable complexity. Alc: 12.98%.