For Rianie Strydom, Chardonnay has always held a particular fascination: its ability to capture a place, reveal layers and grow more compelling with time.
“From a young age, I have loved Chardonnay. I was intrigued by the way the great French examples aged so gracefully, while some of the early South African styles developed quickly and turned yellow. Our understanding of the grape has grown enormously since then. Leaner, more vibrant wines, with thoughtful use of oak, have helped build a wonderful following. For me, Chardonnay is the queen of the white varieties, and South African Chardonnay has earned international acclaim.” — Rianie Strydom
That fascination finds a distinctive expression in Cavalli Chardonnay 2025.
Awarded the Best Chardonnay trophy and 97 points at the Investec Trophy Wine Show 2026, the wine also earned 94 points and a Top 10 placement in the Prescient Chardonnay Report 2026, alongside Gold at the Global Chardonnay Masters. National distinction, joined by international recognition.
For Cavalli, these achievements are part of a continuing story. Since a chapter of change began in 2020, the estate has pursued an increasingly precise expression of its Helderberg vineyards. Six years of considered evolution have brought renewed attention to individual vineyard pockets, separate pickings, yeast selection and the role of oak in shaping texture.
The ambition is clear: to reveal the best of this corner of Stellenbosch, creating wines worthy of a place in the conversation alongside the international and French examples that first inspired Rianie.
The recognition now reaches across the collection. Five wines illustrate that momentum: Chardonnay 2025; Reserve Chenin Blanc 2025, with Prescient Top 10 recognition and Gold at both the Global Chenin Blanc Masters and Veritas; Reserve White 2025, a Prescient white-blend category winner and National Wine Challenge Grand Cru National Champion; Warlord 2022, with Decanter Gold and 96 points at the Fine Wine Awards; and Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, awarded Double Platinum and a place among the National Wine Challenge’s Top 100 SA Wines.
Within this wider story, Chardonnay 2025 offers its own expression of place. Three early-morning pickings capture different vineyard expressions, each fermented with a selected yeast strain. Ten months on the lees in French oak, with 30% new oak, bring layered texture and subtle spice.
Citrus blossom and flint unfold into white stone fruit, yellow apple and grapefruit. Brioche adds depth, while gentle acidity carries the fruit through the palate.
A wine shaped by curiosity, refined through care and made to be shared around the table.
