2020 Le Bonheur Estate Chardonnay Stellenboch South Africa

  • 2020 Vintage Is Considered a Highlight of the Decade
  • Home to Some of the Oldest Vines in Stellenbosch
  • BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
  • Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Nestled between the majestic Simonsberg Mountains and Klapmuts Hill lies the Le Bonheur Wine Estate. A place where history, heritage, and wine converge.

Le Bonheur Wine Estate has a storied history dating back to the 1700s. Originally a resting place for travelers and traders, it was aptly named "Le Bonheur," meaning "happiness" by the De Villiers family. Today, it continues to exude a sense of timeless charm, offering lush green surroundings and natural spring waters.

Le Bonheur's 163-hectare estate is blessed with an enviable terroir featuring unmatched diversity. With vineyards facing north, east, and southeast at altitudes ranging from 200m to 400m above sea level, the estate's main soil types include Hutton, Tukulu Glenrosa, Klapmuts, and Kroonstad. This estate is home to some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Stellenbosch, resulting in wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

Hand-harvested grapes and traditional winemaking techniques, influenced by the French, are the secrets behind Le Bonheur's elegant, full-bodied, and classically styled wines. William Wilkinson is the creative mind behind these wines.

Le Bonheur's Chardonnay vineyards grace the slopes of Klapmutskop, where cool afternoons are a gift from the hill's protective shadow.

The 2020 vintage is considered a highlight of the decade. Ample water, moderate temperatures, and balanced vine growth produced grapes with high natural acidity and concentrated flavors. Despite fierce winds, Le Bonheur's Simonsberg vineyards thrived, benefiting from cooling breezes that kissed the grape bunches.

2020 was a good year for Stellenboch, Vinosus awarded this vintage with a 93-point review, and said: "At the moment, the 2020 Chardonnays appear to be strong."

Aging: 30% was barrel fermented in a combination of Allier and Nevers small oak.

Tasting Notes: 100% Chardonnay. Elegant notes of citrus blossoms, melon, and white peach with a touch of minerality. Medium-bodied, with a crisp acidity. Generous citrus fruit is supported by a touch of oak. The Le Bonheur Chardonnay is known for its retained power and elegant balance, with deft use of oak. This medium-bodied and elegant wine is the ideal pairing for grilled fish, shellfish or oysters.

Reviews

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