Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2015

The 2015 Chardonnay Five Soldiers is produced from a single block each year, apart from 2016, which was affected by smoke taint from bush fires. It is clearly less tropical on the nose, quite conservative in style but nicely defined, the 70% new oak very discrete. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry, a subtle Chardonnay with grapefruit and mango notes, a pinch of lemon sherbet, leading to a composed finish that fans out nicely but never gets carried away. This is an excellent, sophisticated Chardonnay to enjoy over the next decade. Drink Date: 2018-2028. Score - 92. (Neal Martin, winespectator.com, April 28, 2017 )