Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2018

This is an elemental wine. South Africa is defined by careful balance. Hot sun and cool coastal breezes, the changing of the seasons, the passing of time. You can sense all this at work here. Heady tangerine and citrus blossom meet rich vanilla pod and almond flakes. It’s as fragrant as spring, ripe as summer, ephemeral as autumn and crisp as winter. 

The best thing, though, is its versatility. It’s absolutely perfect to take to dinner, particularly when you don’t know what’s on the menu. The fresh acid will pair beautifully with bright dishes, but there’s enough richness to sit well with heavier fare. Plus, a wine from a South African chardonnay legend like Paul Cluver definitely makes a good talking point. 

Elemental, yes, and probably essential.