CapensisWestern Cape, South Africa

Capensis is redefining South African Chardonnay at the highest level.

Founded as a joint venture between Anthony Beck and American wine icon Barbara Banke of Jackson Family Wines, Capensis focuses exclusively on producing world-class Chardonnay from the Cape’s finest vineyards. Winemaker Graham Weerts crafts wines that combine the power and precision of Stellenbosch with Burgundy-inspired finesse. The name Capensis—Latin for “from the Cape”—reflects the winery’s bold ambition: to showcase the Cape’s greatness in Chardonnay.

Capensis Chardonnay is a blend of elite vineyard parcels from Stellenbosch, Overberg, and Elandskloof—regions that offer high altitudes, cool climates, and diverse soils. Aged in French oak, it’s layered and textured, with notes of citrus peel, white peach, hazelnut, and subtle spice. The palate is rich yet taut, showing fine minerality and impressive length. Balancing California opulence with Burgundian restraint, this is a benchmark Chardonnay from the Cape—age-worthy, complex, and beautifully composed.

Tim Atkin has been one of the leading critics for South Africa for over a decade, visiting the country each year to write his report. He’s boldly declared that Capensis Chardonnay 2021 is “One of the greatest Chardonnays ever produced in South Africa”, scoring it a very high 98 points. We looked back over Tim Atkin’s last 5 reports and could not spot any Chardonnay scoring this highly.

Greg Sherwood MW agrees, writing that “The texture is world class, polished, sleek, refined and incredibly crystalline and pure. A beautiful expression from a top-class producer.”

From what we can see, we’re the first in Europe to receive our allocation, and with only a small amount of bottles produced each year, this is not a wine you’ll find widely available. This is a rare opportunity to secure one of the New World’s finest Chardonnays. If this is on your radar, don’t wait—these won’t be around for long.