EDITOR ' S FAVE WINES
Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay 2023
Bright lemon notes, yellow apples and a hint of toastiness introduce this expressive Chardonnay. The palate is beautifully creamy on entry, balanced by a crisp, lingering finish. Flavours of ripe yellow apple persist, lifted by a touch of gooseberry tartness. A stalwart among top South African Chardonnays, with the promise of even greater complexity over time. Plus – it ' s sourced from land that has been scientifically verified as regenerative.
www. hartenbergestate. com
Backsberg Smuggled Vines Chardonnay
With honeyed apple, cashew and butterscotch on the nose, this Chardonnay is a toast to the duo ' s tenacity. The pour boasts vibrant, appealing acidity. Bold notes of tropical fruit, grapefruit, vanilla pod and a chalky minerality lightly dance across the palate, matched by a soft silky finish.
RW Mimosa Sparkling Spritzer
A lively, refreshing cocktail with zesty orange notes, blending sweet citrus with dry sparkling wine. Its bright, effervescent finish delivers a perfect balance of flavour, making it a delightful choice for brunches, special occasions, or any moment that ' s deserving of a sparkling, joyful treat.
www
. robertsonwinery. co. za www. backsberg. co. za
Groot Constantia Grand Constance 2021
A touch of red muscat gives the Grand Constance a bright amber colour. The nose shows intense flavours of orange zest, dried apricots and mango, with hints of oak spice. These flavours carry through to a creamy, sweet palate balanced by natural acidity.
www. grootconstantia. co. za
Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2020
A full-bodied red with black cherry, ripe plum, mocha and dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is layered with sweet spice, vanilla and subtle oak, finishing long and polished with dense, velvety tannins. Balanced acidity adds freshness and structure, while the texture remains rich.
www. spier. co. za
Laborie Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
A generous, fruit-laden wine with notes of red berries, blackcurrant and wild forest fruits. Plush and juicy on the palate, it’ s a natural partner for slow-cooked autumn stews.
www
. kwv. co. za
14 | Autumn 2026 • essentialflavours. co. za