🏆 Decanter World Wine Awards 2026 — Platinum, 97 points
The Lothian Vineyards Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2023 has been awarded a Platinum medal and an outstanding 97 points at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards — the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. Platinum sits just below Best in Show, placing this Elgin Chardonnay among the very finest of more than 17,000 wines judged from 58 countries, and making it one of only eight South African Platinum winners. The accolade follows previous-vintage recognition including IWC Gold and Tim Atkin’s 93 points.

2023 Vintage — Elgin Valley, Western Cape, South Africa

Lothian Vineyards sits high in the cool Elgin Valley, a maritime-influenced appellation in the south-eastern corner of the Western Cape that has earned its reputation as South Africa’s pre-eminent cool-climate ward. The estate is farmed by Gavin and Ewen Wilson — third-generation Cape winemakers — in long-standing collaboration with Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, whose precise, restrained style has shaped a generation of Elgin whites. The Vineyard Selection is the flagship: a single-vineyard expression of Elgin Chardonnay built around restraint rather than ripeness.

The 2023 vintage is 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested from single-vineyard fruit grown at altitude on weathered Bokkeveld shale. Whole-bunch pressed and barrel-fermented with wild yeasts in French oak (a measured proportion new), followed by extended ageing on the lees to build texture and savoury depth without dominating the cool-climate fruit.

The 2023 release shows orange blossom and gentle oak spice on the nose, lifting to nutmeg and crisp yellow apple. The palate is taut and textural — bright, clean acidity, apricot and citrus fruit, a savoury oak frame and a long, mineral, mouth-watering finish that is unmistakably Elgin. A serious Chardonnay for white-burgundy lovers — excellent with roast chicken, grilled fish, or hard mountain cheeses.