This is an exceptional Chardonnay. Kevin Grant is recognized as producing one of the Cape’s finest Chardonnay from his 50  hectare higher elevation perch in the Hemel-en Aarde Ridge ward just inland from Hermanus. This cool climate area is not only stunningly beautiful it is renowned for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which over time has proven to be South Africa’s premium region for the varietals. Kevin knows a thing or two about making top shelf wines having done a long residency as winemaker at nearby Hamilton Russell, along with ventures in Australia, New Zealand, the US and France where he honed his skills before setting up his own venture, Ataraxia.

Kevin’s wines are all about a sense of place reflecting the terroir in which they are grown and the maritime-influenced climate of the area. These low vigor, stony clay rich Bokkeveld Shale derived soils produce world class Chardonnay and as Tim Atkin says about the 2020 Ataraxia we are offering, which he anointed with a 94 pt score, states, “is consistently one of the Cape’s best Chardonnays, a wine that can rival a very good Cote de Beaune white Burgundy.” The big difference here being  good luck finding a white Burgundy this good at this price point. That’s a hard task to match. For those who have an affinity for white Burgundy without the cost this is definitely worth the price of admission.