93 points, Wine Advocate
|
93 points, Vinous
|
93 points, Blue Lifestyle
|
91 points, Wine Spectator
|
91 points, Vinous
|
90 points, James Suckling
|
Critic Reviews
93 points, Blue Lifestyle
93 points, Vinous
93 points, Wine Advocate
91 points, Vinous
91 points, Wine Spectator
90 points, James Suckling
“Silky and fresh, smooth, crisp and pure, racy and fruit-driven, tangy and long.”
93 points, Vinous
“The 2020 Chardonnay has a wonderful bouquet, quite backward at first but revealing apple blossom, citrus fruit and touches of nectarine. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity, orange peel and yellow plum flavors, and touches of ginger toward the finish, which displays superb depth. Tesselaardal, founded by Berene Sauls in 2015, can add another wine to their list of classy Chardonnays.”
93 points, Wine Advocate
“An instant success, the 2020 Chardonnay burst from the glass with bright citrus, lemon pastry cream, yellow apple and hints of crème brûlée with brown baking spices. Medium-bodied, the palate explodes with mouthwatering acidity, framed by ripe citrus and pomaceous fruit tones while showing a balanced mid-palate. Persistent flavors of white peach, lemon drop, and wax melon drive the long-lingering and ever-evolving finish. It’s an absolutely delicious wine that I cannot wait to retry in 10 years’ time. Bravo!”
91 points, Vinous
“The 2020 Chardonnay Tesselaarsdal includes partial whole bunch, fermented in amphorae. The lovely nose of almond, marzipan, dried honey and chamomile is beautifully defined. The palate is very well balanced, with a fine bead of acidity, and citrus fresh, offering orange peel and light chai tea notes toward the finish. Very fine.”
91 points, Wine Spectator
“Crisp acidity and a minerally underpinning define flavors of melon and tangerine fruit and accents of lime blossom, chopped hazelnut and fleur de sel in this lithe and vibrant, medium-bodied white. Drink now through 2026.”
90 points, James Suckling
“Apricots, peach pits, waxed lemons and blanched almonds on the nose. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a smooth, stony palate. Some creamy yoghurt notes at the finish. Sustainable. Drink now.”
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.
