Wild Child Coastal Region Chardonnay, South Africa 2024

South Africa’s renowned Gabb family (whose “strongest suit” is Chardonnay, says Jancis Robinson, MW) can’t wait for you to try Wild Child Chardonnay. It’s beautifully floral, fruity and oh-so refreshing—a must-taste for Chardonnay fans.

Wild Child Chardonnay comes from the Gabb family’s aptly named estate, Journey’s End, seated in South Africa's Schapenberg hills with some of the most southerly vineyards in the Stellenbosch appellation. Supple, smooth and fruit-forward, it proves why renowned writer and Master of Wine Jancis Robinson calls Chardonnay the family’s “strongest suit."

Its name is inspired by the family’s winemaking philosophy. Crafted with hand-harvested, biodynamically farmed fruit, the wine was partially ‘wild’ fermented, meaning natural yeasts kickstarted the conversion from grape sugars to alcohol, and there was minimal winemaker intervention througout the winemaking process. The goal of this approach is to let what Mother Nature take the lead, and to let the fruit's purity shine through.

The final wine is a delicious testimate to the process. Opening with delicate aromas of citrus, yellow apple, white peach and orange blossom, the palate is equally fruitful, with a zesty finish. It's an excellent match for roasted white meats, fresh seafood or grilled vegetables.