Cap Maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge (South Africa) Chardonnay 2018

 This is an ultra-complex, deeply satisfying Chardonnay from a cool-climate project undertaken by Boekenhoustskloof, one of South Africa’s best wine companies, and indeed one of the best in all the world.  A big, rich wine despite the cool climate in the broader area of Walker Bay, it shows remarkable aromatic complexities recalling nutmeg, caramel, vanilla and baking spices.  The flavors are at least as dramatic, with tropical fruit notes and baked apple flavors freshened with an edge of citrus acidity.  These are bolstered by rich oak notes, but these are very well integrated, and though the wine is sure to become even more detailed over the next few years, it is really singing now.  Fantastic juice.