93 points, Tim Atkin MW
|
91 points, Wine Spectator
|
91 points, Vinous
|
88 points, Wine & Spirits
|
About the Wine
Critic Reviews
93 points, Tim Atkin MW
91 points, Vinous
91 points, Wine Spectator
91 points, Wine Spectator
88 points, Wine & Spirits
“Year on year, Berene Sauls’ production is growing, reflecting the success of her brand. 2021 marks the third vintage of her impressive Chardonnay, sourced from La Vierge’s vineyards on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fresh and zesty, with subtle wild yeast and oatmeal aromas, citrus and clementine flavors, and a focused finish. 2023-28”
91 points, Vinous
“The 2021 Chardonnay omes from a single block in Babylon Vineyards in dry-farmed vineyards, picked close to the beginning of March, aged in amphora and neutral oak. It has a delightful bouquet with purity and focus, light orange pith and mango notes, and soft floral scents emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with tropical hints on the entry, and fine acidity with a slightly honeyed yet tensile finish. Very fine.”
91 points, Wine Spectator
A vivacious white, with a snappy mix of Gala apple, kiwi fruit, macadamia nut and blood orange granita flavors that expand on the lightly chalky and balanced, medium-bodied frame. Drink now through 2025.”
91 points, Wine Spectator
"A vivacious white, with a snappy mix of Gala apple, kiwi fruit, macadamia nut and blood orange granita flavors that expand on the lightly chalky and balanced, medium-bodied frame. Drink now through 2025. 300 cases made, 200 cases imported."
88 points, Wine & Spirits
"Brisk chardonnay with the flavor and texture of pulpy applesauce, this is a wine for the fall. Its flavors are intense, suffusing the structure while they last."
About The Winery
Berene Sauls has exceeded all expectations with Tesselaarsdal. In more than one respect, Tesselaarsdal is a breakthrough. Formerly employed by Hamilton Russell Estates and mentored by Anthony Hamilton Russell, not only is Tesselaarsdal the first wine project for Berene, but importantly it is the first wine project wholly-owned by a member of a 'previously disadvantaged community' in the Hemel-en-Aarde area and, indeed, the Overstrand. The wine is named after the historic rural hamlet Tesselaarsdal, not far from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, where Berene was born. It was at Tesselaarsdal where Berene's ancestors once lived as freed slaves on land bequeathed to them in 1810 by former East India Company Settler, Johannes Tesselaar. The naming of her first wine appropriately honors her roots. Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay continue the legacy of the Sauls and the Tesselaarsdal farm.
