Best SA Chard - Hamilton Russell.

But really SA does not do that good a job with Chard, they are OK and oaky, like standard CA offerings, but they have not yet found the sites to grow fruit capable of turning Chardonnay from everyday wine to the sublime perfection that it can be.

Lin,

There's a few other SA Chards I can recommend...

Meerlust (with Hamilton Russel, maybe SA's best)
Mulderbosch
De Wetshof Bateleur (very nice if you can find it)

If you're serious about SA wines and want to order any for delivery - I have a friend who imports and offers a nice selection. Email me if you're interested.

James

Thanks Matt and James, and what vintages do I want for these chardonnays?

Most new world Chardonnay's certainly under $50 are not that vintage dependant. Don't grab anything too old, but 2003 onwards should be good in all of them.

I agree.

In all seriousness, Matt is certainly the foremost authority on this forum when it comes to wines ...

...And MalaMala
:)

Nope.

Foremost authority on Mala Mala is Kaye N.

Goodness, how good it is to see the appreciation of our wines out in the world. As I do not know the labels the estates use for the export market, I cannot recommend specific labels. The Delaire Cabernet had a few good reviews lately as did their Chardonnay (unwooded) and Sauv Blanc. A pinotage/merlot blend from Middelvlei always get good reviews. Then there is an estate called Cape Bay that is up-and-coming. They are in the same region as Hamilton Russell.