Amani’s 2003 Chardonnay has just been awarded an 88 point rating from the US consumer magazine, Wine Spectator - a great accolade for a great wine. And at an RRP of only $14.99, it’s flying off the shelves! For a South African white wine to achieve such a high rating is a particularly special achievement, especially in this price bracket. Wine Spectator describes the Amani 2003 Chardonnay as “...plump and juicy, with lots of apple, fig, toast and spice notes. Lush fruit filled finish. A crowd pleaser. Drink now. 88 points.” This rating adds to the accolades already awarded to the 2003 Chardonnay. The wine won a silver medal at the 2004 Michelangelo International Wine Awards, the 2005 Swiss International Airline Awards as well as the 2004 Classic Wine Trophy Show (91/100 points). And the winemaker behind the wine? Danelle Janse van Rensburg. Danelle recently left Amani to join internet retailer, Cybercellar.com, but had this to say about the wine that she made for Amani two years ago: “Patience, hard work and a lot of dedication made this wine a success. With a longer than usual ripening period on the Chardonnays, we had to hold on to our hats to see what the result would be. We are all very proud!” Amani means: "peace". This beautiful Swahili word encapsulates the spirit that is Amani's philosophy and foundation stone. A sense of tranquility resides at Amani, hand in hand with the underlying energy that drives it. Hard work and passion, and the unshakeable belief that "great wine is grown in the vineyard" and translates into quality in the bottle. South African wine is fast gaining a reputation for being good quality at good prices in the US. AC Nielsen figures show South Africa wines sales up 122% since last April. South African wines are currently enjoying this upsurge based on increased quality, a wider selection; more wines that appeal to current American tastes; growing interest in wines among younger, curious wine drinkers; increased attention to South Africa by the national wine press; and better, more stylish marketing. Amani has produced another wonderful South African wine that will no doubt be successful with the American public. This is just the latest in a long line of wines hoisting the South African flag high in the US. Well done Amani! The Amani 2003 Chardonnay can be bought in the US through www.cybercellar.com - where else would you want to buy all your South African wine? RRP $14.99. Wine details: All grapes were hand picked at 23-24° Balling. The yield was 6 tons per hectare and the fruit was stringently sorted on a sorting table prior to crushing. The grapes were crushed and taken directly to the press. Draining commenced and, where tonnage allowed, the free-run was kept separate. Pressings reached 1,5 bar. Fermentation was initiated in stainless steel tanks with a pure, neutral yeast called DV10. Fermentation temperatures were kept at 12°C and when the sugar level dropped to 21° Balling, the ferment was transferred to barrels under gravitation. The wine was kept on lees for 9 months and stirred (“battonage”) regularly. The wine spent 9 months in 30% new wood, all French oak. Later 24% unwooded Chardonnay was added to the blend. No malolactic fermentation was initiated and the wine kept its fresh, crisp, natural acidity. The wine has a medium straw colour with subtle green hues. The aroma reminds of pear, apple and lemon. The oak is well integrated and vanillin in character. On the palate there is a firm citrus acidity with good length. The wine is very soft and well balanced. Alcohol reached 13.5% and sugar levels were kept at 4.4g/L. This wine is best suited with most seafood like Sushi, Fish Curries, Seafood Pastas and Salads.