KWV, Laborie Cap Classique' Blanc de Blancs, 2019, Western Cape (WO)

'One-Liner'
Five years on the lees gives this South African Blanc de Blancs serious depth – ripe citrus, golden apple and brioche with a fine mousse and beautifully fresh finish.

Tasting Note
Bright golden straw in the glass with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles, opening with ripe pear, Golden Delicious apple and citrus alongside toasted brioche and subtle mushroom notes. The palate is creamy and expansive, with golden fruit and lemony freshness carried by a fine, energetic mousse. Five years on the lees brings layers of toast, nuts and savoury complexity without dulling the Chardonnay’s natural brightness. There is a lovely balance between mature autolytic richness and focused acidity, giving the wine both depth and precision. Long and elegant on the finish, with citrus, brioche and gently savoury notes lingering behind.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape WO
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 12%
Friendly: Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Trophy Wine Show 2025 – Sowetan Trophy for Best Cap Classique, 97/100
Decanter – 93/100
IWSC 2026 – Silver Medal
IWSC 2025 – Silver Medal

The Story
Laborie’s roots stretch back to 1691, when the farm was granted to French Huguenot Isaac Taillefert and placed in the name of his son Jean. Within only a few years the family was already producing wine, and in 1698 a visiting French traveller famously compared their efforts to the wines of Champagne – a rather fitting historical footnote for a producer now making one of South Africa’s most highly regarded Cap Classiques. This 2019 Blanc de Blancs is made entirely from Chardonnay using traditional secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by an impressive 60 months resting on its lees. That extended ageing is central to its style, building the creamy mousse, brioche and savoury complexity that sit alongside the wine’s still-vivid citrus and orchard fruit.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Moules marinières with crusty bread
- Vegetarian: Courgette and goat’s cheese tart with a lemon-dressed salad
- Vegan: Roast cauliflower steaks with almond, lemon and parsley dressing