Malcolm Jolley finds a bargain South African white…
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2018, $15.95, LCBO# 367698
Our friends at the Wines of South Africa were in touch this week with news that the LCBO will be showcasing a selection of South African wines this month focused on Sustainability. More on this to come next week, but I noticed that the 2018 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay was one of the wines in the feature, and remembered being impressed by the 2017 vintage last year when I tasted a number of wines from the Franschhoek-based producer last year. So, I tried the 2018 this week and am pleased to report that it is consistent and shows the 1685’s characteristic lemony character, though comparing notes, might be a little leaner and more mineral than the previous vintage. This is a perfect aperitif wine to serve with snacks before dinner. It truly shows like a pricier wine and must still be one of the great bargains at the LCBO. Look for it as part of that South African promotion, or as part of the ‘Vintages Essentials’ program. At $16 it’s worth a (re)try.
