Chardonnay
75cl * Vegan & Sustainable * 13.5% ABV * Stellenbosch, South Africa
Named after the founder’s children, Thomas and Kara, the Tokara winery is nestled among vineyards and olive groves on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass. Tokara rests on the Stellenbosch side of the Banghoek Valley, between 350m and 550m above sea level, with sweeping views across False Bay and all the way to Table Mountain.
The combination of climate, rich, fertile soil and the unique aspect of the property make for exciting variability between the vineyard sites. Soil profiles are of weathered sandstone and decomposed granite, the combination lending structure, perfume and longevity to the Tokara wines. Over the years, parcels of the best grapes have been identified in the vineyards and used to create exceptional individual batches. The winemaker then blends these batches to produce the top tier wines that Tokara are known for. Alongside these Stellenbosch vineyards, Tokara also produce cool-climate wines from their Highlands Vineyard in Elgin, a cool-climate area atop Sir Lowry’s Pass. It benefits from predominantly Table Mountain sandstone soil and a maritime influence, perfect for their production of Sauvignon Blanc.
Planting started in the mid-1990s with the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Even then, the founder, GT Ferreira, had the unrelenting ambition of producing one of the best wines in the world - a wine that truly expresses the terroir from which it comes. We think he, and his family, have achieved that goal.
Their Reserve Collection are very much terroir-focused wines, showing depth and complexity that lend to its aging potential. The 2024 Reserve Chardonnay is full of ripe yellow citrus and white flowers, with toasted almonds and oatmeal aromas. On the palate, it is creamy and nutty, with well-integrated oak and hints of vanilla on the finish. There's also a freshness and minerality that lift the wine, making it the perfect aperitif.
This is a wine that will age beautifully, continuing to develop until at least 2034. Pair with seafood and poultry dishes.