A five-year evolution of precision and purpose earns global recognition!

Hermanus, 15 May 2025

In a resounding endorsement of its commitment to innovation and excellence, Whalehaven Wines is proud to announce that its 2023 Seascape Chardonnay has been awarded an exceptional 97 points at the Decanter Panel Tasting 2025. This top-tier rating is the culmination of five years of focused refinement and bold ambition, solidifying Whalehaven’s place among South Africa’s premier Chardonnay producers.

Since 2020, Whalehaven has undergone a quiet innovation—driven by Silvana Bottega, who brought a renewed vision to the family-owned winery. Embracing a philosophy of small-lot, terroir-focused winemaking, the team began reshaping its Chardonnay program to express the cool-climate purity, minerality, and vibrancy of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with greater clarity. The breakthrough came with the 2020 Seascape Chardonnay, a turning point vintage that introduced a more linear, seaside freshness to the wines.

Each subsequent release has built upon that foundation, culminating in the 2023 vintage—a masterful expression crafted with the input of Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, who joined the project to guide the evolution of the Whalehaven Terroir Series. The Decanter panel praised the wine’s “brilliant texture, saline complexity, and striking elegance,” noting its finesse and sense of place.

“This score is more than a number—it’s recognition of a journey,” said Silvana Bottega. “Since 2020, we’ve reimagined what Whalehaven Chardonnay could be. The 2023 Seascape represents the precision, balance, and emotional resonance we’ve been working towards.”

This latest accolade follows a string of significant international wins for Whalehaven, including:
• 5 Stars from Platter’s South African Wine Guide for the 2021 Seascape Chardonnay (current vintage available in South Africa)
• Gold Medal and 96 Points at the International Wine Challenge – Seascape Reserve 2023 (sold out via global allocation)
• A spot in the Top 10 at Chardonnay du Monde 2025 – Seascape Reserve 2024 (sold out en-primeur)

Available only via allocation, the Whalehaven Seascape Chardonnay continues to attract the attention of global collectors, sommeliers, and prestige restaurants seeking wines with authenticity, elegance, and pedigree.

For more information or collateral: kaylee@bottegafamilywine.co.za | +27 21 8523590