Journey’s End Chardonnay 2021 review – fresh and crisp South African white wine

Set in the Schapenberg Hills of Stellenbosch, South Africa, Journey’s End first began when it was founded by the Gabb family in 1995. At the time, the family were based in Shropshire, UK, but found themselves falling in love with the picturesque farm over in South Africa. The team behind Journey’s End is known for its commitment to being both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. In 2014, the vineyard converted to being solar-powered and in 2017 gained a fully Fairtrade certification. Since then, the winery has gone on to receive recognitions at The Drinks Business Green Awards in Ethical commitment and Water Management, as well as attaining a WWF Conservation Champion status, for their continued commitment to sustainable farming.

Shouting about organisations that are incorporating environmentally-friendly methods into their business plan is something that I’m thrilled to be able to do on Female Original. So, I’m equally as thrilled to be taking you through the Journey’s End Chardonnay (2021) this week.

The first thing you notice with this chardonnay is its lovely pale, straw-like colour. Moving onto the nose, I was initially getting a fresh lemon and gooseberry, which quickly made way for more rounded tropical fruits – balancing out the initial kick of acid. I also picked out a subtle scent of pear, and a slight hint of grass as well.

As for the palate, the Journey’s End Chardonnay is dry, high in acidity and light bodied. The fresh lemon and gooseberry were the first notes that I picked up on but they were soon counteracted with the tropical flavours that I was hoping for. As someone who gravitates toward a fruitier chardonnay – with not too much acidity – I found that this particular bottle was well-balanced between acid and fruitiness. There was also a subtle hint of vanilla which, having read up about the bottle afterwards, must’ve come as a result of its oak-fermenaton and cask-ageing. Overall, this is a great bottle that would pair well with fish, creamy dishes or, by itself on a hot Summer’s day.