Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay, 2023

Grapes

Chardonnay

Vintage report

The 2023 growing season in Stellenbosch was shaped by a relatively cool, dry summer, which gave growers the kind of measured ripening that makes viticulturalists quietly optimistic. Rainfall was well-distributed early in the season, building good vine reserves without encouraging disease pressure, and the harvest came in at a sensible pace rather than a panic. The result was fruit with genuine freshness alongside ripe tannins — the sort of balance that doesn't happen by accident.

Across the board, 2023 produced wines with real definition. Cabernet Sauvignon and the Bordeaux blends that Stellenbosch does so well have come out with firm but finely grained structure and the kind of concentrated dark fruit that rewards patience. Chenin Blanc and Syrah also performed strongly, with Syrah in particular showing the peppery, muscular character the cooler sites here do better than almost anywhere else. Most reds will drink well from now but have the architecture to develop further — we'd give the serious Cabernet-based wines until at least 2028 to 2032 before calling them truly ready.