GlenWood, Grand Duc Chardonnay 2023
GlenWood Estate is in the Robertsvlei Valley, close to Franschoek in the Western Cape. Their wines are multi-award winning and have become synonymous with incredible quality and diligent winemaking.
This Chardonnay had its fruit picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was left to settle for two days and transferred to barrel, where it fermented for fourteen days, before ageing for a further twenty months on its lees in French oak.
This process creates a wine that is utterly exceptional. It is rich and layered with notes of rich vanilla and ripe pineapple. Full and creamy on the palate with a vanilla toasty note from gentle use of oak and marmalade and citrus notes on the length. Absolute indulgence, and well-deserving of its huge critical acclaim.
Drink through 2030.
£40.35
Franschhoek
Chardonnay
Bone-drySweet
Description
WINEMAKERS COMMENTS
Yellow straw in colour. Rich vanilla and ripe pineapple. Full and creamy on the palate with a vanilla toasty note from gentle use of oak. Marmelade and citrus notes on the aftertaste. Drink through 2030.
VITICULTURE
Vine age: 28 Years
Density: 4000 vines per hectare
Yield: 6 tons per hectare
A low canopy allowed optimal sunlight penetration. Minimal irrigation was used. The fruit ripened slowly allowing the development of small bunches with highly concentrated flavours.
VITIFICATION
Grapes were picked at 24.7°B and wholebunch pressed to 1.4 bars of pressure. The juice was left to settle for two days and racked to barrel. Using only wild yeast, fermentation occurred over an 14- day period. The wine spent 20 months on the lees in 100% new 500L French oak barrels.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol 14.5%
Total Acidity 6.0 g/l
Residual Sugar 4.0 g/l
pH 3.47
PRODUCTION
3700 x 750ml bottles
Additional information
| Grape | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Wine Farm | |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Alcohol | 14.5% |
| Origin | Franschhoek |
Grilled lobster, or king prawns in garlic butter.
5 reviews for GlenWood, Grand Duc Chardonnay 2023
Location
You may also like
-
GlenWood, Grand Duc Noblesse 2023
£26.50
Franschhoek
Semillon
LightFull Bodied
Find out moreAdd to basketA multi-award winning lusciously sweet wine, inspired by the legendary style of Sauternes.
-
GlenWood, Unoaked Chardonnay 2024
£17.05
Franschhoek
Chardonnay
Bone-drySweet
Find out moreAdd to basketFresh and fruit forward; orange blossom, lime and green apple, with a clean finish.
-
GlenWood, Vigneron’s Selection Chardonnay 2025
£23.00
Franschhoek
Chardonnay
Bone-drySweet
Find out moreAdd to basketZesty citrus and ripe yellow apple notes, complemented by a spicy oak undertone and hints of brioche.
Silver Medal (92 points) | Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
“Silky layers of white nectarine and ripe orange entwine with honeyed spice, sherbet lemon and candied pineapple, underpinned by toast.”
Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 –
Bronze Medal | International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025
“Vibrant apple and caramel aromas lead to a creamy, rich palate with notes of baking spice. The finish is smooth, leaving a pleasant warmth.”
International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025 –
95 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2026
“Flag bearer of range again effortlessly balances bold, vanilla cream texture with citrus freshness & typically in 2023. Like 2022, bunch pressed, wild fermented & aged in new 500L barrel, but duration upped to 24 months from 20. Vibrant, succulent & oh so drinkable.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2026 –
91 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025
“Unashamedly New World in style, this reminds me of a certain type of California Chardonnay. A wine with lots of toasty new French oak and richness to spare, it’s buttery, smooth and sweetly spiced, with layers of honey, citrus and stone fruit and a full-bodied finish. 2025-28”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025 –
Double Gold Medal (99 points) | London Wine Competition 2026
Best Wine By Quality (99 points) | London Wine Competition 2026
Chardonnay Of The Year (99 points) | London Wine Competition 2026
“Powerful peach, citrus, and toasty oak aromas, full-bodied and complex palate with balanced oak and freshness, finishing long and elegant.”
London Wine Competition 2026 –