Bartinney Hourglass Chardonnay 2022

OVERVIEW

The Bartinney Hourglass Chardonnay 2022 is the estate’s most iconic, small-batch Chardonnay, a vineyard-specific bottling from the upper slopes of the Banhoek Valley. Grown in the unique “hourglass-shaped” amphitheatre vineyard, this wine represents the pinnacle of Bartinney’s cool-climate white-winemaking philosophy: precision, minerality and layered elegance.

Crafted through wild fermentation and extended barrel maturation, it stands among Stellenbosch’s most sophisticated Chardonnays.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Perfect for wine lovers who appreciate:

refined, Burgundian-style Chardonnay

complex, terroir-expressive whites

elegant oak integration (not heavy or buttery)

collectible small-production wines

premium food-pairing whites for gourmet dining

This is a Chardonnay for serious enthusiasts and collectors.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Pale gold with crystalline brightness.
Aromas: Citrus blossom, lemon curd, white peach and subtle green apple layered over toasted almond, warm brioche and delicate vanilla oak.
Palate: A seamless combination of citrus purity, stone fruit, subtle spice and elegant oak complexity.
Texture: Silky, rounded and beautifully balanced with tension and minerality.
Finish: Long, refined and savoury with lingering citrus and hazelnut.

FOOD PAIRING

Perfect with:

• seared scallops
• lobster in lemon-butter sauce
• creamy chicken with thyme
• roasted butternut & sage
• rich mushroom and truffle pasta
• Serve at 10–12°C in a large-bowled Chardonnay glass.

SERVING TIPS & DETAILS

• Serve: 10–12°C
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Style: Single-vineyard, barrel-fermented Chardonnay
• Oak: 228L French oak barrels (mixture of new & seasoned)
• Techniques: Wild fermentation + bâtonnage
• Cellaring: 6–10 years for optimal development

REVIEWS & ACCOLADES

Vivino community impressions:

“Beautifully balanced — citrus, peach and gentle oak.”

“Elegant and refined, one of the best SA Chardonnays.”
“Butter, vanilla and stone fruit with freshness.”

Average rating: 4.2–4.4★

FAQ's

Is it oaked?
Yes — but with elegant, refined French oak, never overpowering.

Is it dry?
100% dry.

Does it age well?
Absolutely, it gains nutty, honeyed depth over 6–10 years.

Is it buttery?
Only lightly, subtle creaminess from bâtonnage, not a heavy butter profile.

Suitable for gifting?
Exceptional, this is one of Bartinney’s most prestigious wines.