Peter & Johann de Wet (credit De Westshof)
I first tasted the De Wetshof Chardonnays with founder Danie de Wet at the winery in 2011. My conclusion then was that his Chardonnays were among South Africa’s very best. Today, after tasting the current releases, I am of the same opinion (see reviews below). With its limestone soils, hot days and cool nights, dry growing season and plentiful water from the Breede River, the Robertson terroir is uniquely suited to Chardonnay. Today, De Wetshof specializes in Chardonnay, producing several distinct bottlings, and appropriately calling itself The House of Chardonnay.
Danie de Wet, the founder of De Wetshof, studied at Geisenheim, Germany, and returned to the Cape in 1971. In 1972, he established De Wetshof as the first private cellar in Robertson and soon thereafter began experimenting with Chardonnay. DeWetshof is regarded as one of the pioneers growing Chardonnay in South Africa along with Backsberg, Simonsig and Hamilton Russell. In 1986 Danie de Wet planted the first vineyard using Chardonnay clones from Clos de Mouches in Burgundy; that 3.5 ha parcel is now the grape source for the Bateleur Chardonnay. Massal selection from this parcel is used for new plantings.
Today, the winery is largely in the hands of Danie’s sons, Johann, who manages the vineyards, and Peter, who specializes in winemaking. Johann constantly experiments with new clones and viticultural methods, but most the planting and replanting is massal selection. US Importer: Broadbent Selections
The Wines
De Wetshof 2025 Limestone Hill Chardonnay Robertson 90 Sourced from the limestone soils of Robertson, the unwooded Limestone Hill Chardonnay offers a bouquet of yellow apple and lemon mirrored on the bright, fresh, medium weight palate. Inexpensive and superb value in a clean, well-balanced Chardonnay. Sourced from 7–22-year-old vines and aged on the lees in tank for 4 months. pH 3.37, 13.9% alc.
De Wetshof 2025 Bon Vallon Chardonnay Robertson 93 If you’re fond of mineral-like Chablis, you’ll like the Bon Vallon Chardonnay. It’s round on the palate with precise, fresh flavors and a lingering sense of minerality. Unusual to find an unwooded Chardonnay with this much structure and complexity. Sourced from 10–20-year-old vines. pH 3.41, 13.7% alc.
De Wetshof 2024 Lesca Chardonnay Robertson 92 The Lesca Chardonnay has excellent acidity and complex, layered flavors. Predominantly lemon and orchard fruit with well-integrated, light toasty notes. Sourced from 15–25-year-old vines. Barrel fermented and matured in 10% new French oak. pH 3.46, 14.4% alc.
De Wetshof 2024 Bateleur Chardonnay Robertson 94 Named after a majestic South African eagle, the Bateleur Chardonnay has an harmonious bouquet revealing notes of orchard fruit and hazelnuts. The superbly balanced palate is full and dense with a firm backbone and vibrant acidity. Well integrated oak, lemon citrus, and orchard fruit flavors and a long, fine finish. Sourced from a single vineyard block [#18B] of 38-year-old vines; barrel fermented and matured in new French oak for 12 months. pH 3.38, 13.2% alc.
Source : https://i-winereview.com/blog/index.php/2025/12/08/de-wetshof-south-african-chardonnay-from-the-limestone-soils-of-robertson/
