{"product_id":"benguela-cove-estate-chardonnay-2024","title":"Benguela Cove Estate Chardonnay 2024","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"712\"\u003eBenguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate sits on the edge of Walker Bay near Hermanus, where cool maritime conditions and strong ocean breezes create one of South Africa’s most distinctive cool-climate wine regions. The estate’s Chardonnay vineyards are planted on ancient shale soils with high calcium content, helping to produce wines with freshness, texture and a pronounced mineral character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"712\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eThe 2024 Benguela Cove Estate Chardonnay reflects the estate’s careful balance between modern precision and restrained winemaking. Grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in French oak, with portions of the wine handled differently during fermentation to build complexity and texture. Extended lees ageing and partial malolactic fermentation add richness without overwhelming the wine’s naturally bright fruit profile. The result is a Chardonnay that feels polished and expressive while still clearly rooted in its coastal terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1396\"\u003ePale straw gold with bright green highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1441\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1451\"\u003eElegant aromas of hazelnut, shortbread biscuit and ripe peach lead the bouquet, followed by yellow apple, citrus peel and subtle toasted oak. Gentle lees-derived notes add depth without dominating the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1443\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1670\"\u003eTextured and creamy on entry, with flavours of stone fruit, pear and citrus layered over a fresh mineral core. The oak is integrated and restrained, adding hints of vanilla and toasted almond rather than heaviness. Bright acidity keeps the wine focused and energetic, giving balance to the richer lees character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1984\" data-end=\"2130\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003eLong, clean and fresh, with lingering notes of lemon zest, baked apple and a delicate saline edge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Benguela Cove Wine Estate","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45301437923507,"sku":"WW2440CH33","price":320.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/BenguelaCoveEstateChardonnay2024.jpg?v=1771836472","url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/products\/benguela-cove-estate-chardonnay-2024","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}