Rustenberg ‘Five Soldiers’ Chardonnay 2021, Stellenbosch

The Rustenberg winery dates back to 1682, when German Roelof Pasman recognised the farm’s grape-growing potential. It’s been operated by the Barlow family for the past 80 years, and they’ve created some exceptional bottles. Today, head winemaker is Murray Barlow, the only person to win Diners Club’s Young Winemaker of the Year award twice. This is his finest Chardonnay, and it comes highly sought after. The grapes behind it are hand-harvested, and the wine aged for 16 months in oak to give a creamy finish. It’s complex and full-bodied, with plenty of ripe citrus, melon and peach flavours. Try it with rich chicken or pork dishes or age it for a decade. In 2022, this wine won an IWC award for the 2020 vintage.