Paul Cluver, Elgin (South Africa) Chardonnay 2016

 I’ve gone on record more than once with the assertion that South Africa makes the best moderately-priced Chardonnay in the world.  Although New Zealand and Mâcon in southern Burgundy are tightening the race, I stand on my assertion, and point to a wine like this as a question-closing case in point.  It gets off to a great start with subtly spicy scents from oak, intermingled with expressive fruit aromas.  On the palate, the fruit impressions recall ripe apples and white peaches, with beautifully balanced acidity (only 15% of the wine went though malolactic fermentation) that makes the wine seem as linear as it seems rounded and generous.  Full of flavor but still very focused, this was aged in 20% new oak barrels, with the remaining cooperage used for the 2nd, 3rdor 4th vintage.  An indisputably outstanding wine and an unbelievably strong value, this reflects great skill in both the vineyard and the winery.