Thamnus, Chardonnay 2022
A critically acclaimed, small-batch, cool-climate Chardonnay from the Overberg region of South Africa, crafted by winemaker PJ Geyer, who previously worked with Bordeaux’s famed Moueix family. This vintage made headlines by winning a 96-point Gold Medal at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, ranking as the highest-scoring South African Chardonnay in that year’s competition.
The 2022 vintage opens with vibrant citrus aromas, layered with dried orange peel and orange blossom, and subtle hints of fresh ginger, vanilla pod, and white pepper. A maritime influence imparts flinty minerality and a touch of crushed stone. Nuances of foie gras and salted caramel add depth to the palate. Thoughtful use of French oak enhances texture and complexity, with vibrant acidity providing balance. This wine seamlessly blends old-world elegance with new-world precision, showcasing the essence of its terroir.
£48.00
Overberg
Chardonnay
Bone-drySweet
Description
BACKGROUND
Thamnus Wines originates in the remote terroir of the Overberg, where renowned wine regions converge. Our vineyards overlook the Hemel-en- Aarde Valley and Walker Bay, benefiting from exceptional wine-growing conditions found only here. Our vineyards traverse North-facing slopes set 285m above sea level, where added hours of sunlight and cool nights come together with ancient Cape soils. The rugged terroir and distinctive microclimate create the perfect environment for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines to flourish. This land also nurtures the rare mountain rose, Orothamnus Zeyheri, found on our farm and in only a few other places on earth. Inspired
by this rare rose, Thamnus Wines are distinct and elegantly crafted, reflecting the unique qualities of our terroir.
VINTAGE DESCRIPTION
The 2022 vintage presented challenges for many, but our high-altitude vineyards allowed us to harvest at the perfect moment of ripeness. All fruit was picked just before the late February rains, preserving the crisp acidity and low pH that define our Chardonnay. The growing season was moderate and cool, with well-timed budding and natural selection occurring in the vineyard, ensuring optimal fruit quality. Evening ripening across the block, combined with temperate weather during harvest, allowed for slower maturation, resulting in exceptional flavour development and vibrant colour extraction. The grapes, sourced from three clones—CY95, CY96, and CY76—delivered
impressive natural acidity, balance, and depth in this vintage.
WINEMAKING
50% of the grapes were pressed whole bunch and naturally settled for 48 hours in stainless steel tank after which we racked it to barrel. The remainder of the grapes were destemmed, pressed and settled with enzymes for 24 hours. Fermentation took 2 weeks, and the barrels were topped and left for maturation for 9 months prior to bottling. 38% new French oak was chosen for this vintage.
TASTING NOTES
The 2022 vintage opens with vibrant citrus aromas, layered with dried orange peel and orange blossom, and subtle hints of fresh ginger, vanilla pod, and white pepper. A maritime influence imparts flinty minerality and a touch of crushed stone. Nuances of foie gras and salted caramel add depth to the palate. Thoughtful use of French oak enhances texture and complexity, with vibrant acidity providing balance. This wine seamlessly blends old-world elegance with new-world precision, showcasing the essence of its terroir.
WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol; 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 6.9 g/l
pH; 3.22
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Chardonnay |
| Origin | Overberg |
| Wine Farm |
The 2022 Thamnus Chardonnay is a cool-climate South African white wine featuring vibrant citrus, flinty minerality, and a saline maritime finish. It pairs best with rich seafood, roasted poultry, and soft cheeses that complement its high acidity and subtle French oak aging.
- Seafood: Pan-seared scallops, grilled prawns, or fresh crab legs to match the wine's coastal salinity and citrus edge.
- Poultry: Classic roast chicken with lemon and thyme or turkey in a light savory gravy.
- Vegetarian & Pasta: Creamy mushroom risotto, gnocchi with burnt butter and sage, or dishes featuring subtle nutty or buttery profiles.
- Cheese: Mature hard cheeses like Cheddar or rich, creamy soft cheeses like Gruyère, Brie, and Camembert.
95 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024
“The Thamnus Chardonnay was one of the discoveries of my 2023 report, so I’m delighted that it’s every bit as good this year. Sourced from a single vineyard on Shaw’s Mountain, it’s light on its feet yet very well structured, with stylish 38% new wood, effortless minerality and a medley of citrus, pear, vanilla and clementine. 2025-29”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024 –
95 points | Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score
“Aged in a mix of old and new French oak with fruit from a warmer year. The 2022 is more reserved and mineral, classical and restrained, showing hints of spicy lemon, white pepper, pithy lime peel and yellow grapefruit. Incredibly sleek and refined, mineral laden, pure and compact. Currently showing lovely youthful wound spring tension but also great cellaring potential. Ironically, I’d probably pick this wine as a 2021 if tasted blind.”
Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score –
Gold Medal (96 points) | Decanter World Wine Awards 2025
A banquet of sumptuous fruit: mangoes, melons, peaches, nectarines and citrus ripple over the mouth-wateringly juicy texture, invigorated by a flinty, mineral grip. Seamless and effortless.”
Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 –