Thamnus Chardonnay 2022 Named South Africa’s Top-Scoring Chardonnay at 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards

The Thamnus Chardonnay 2022 has been awarded an exceptional 96 points at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), making it the highest-scoring South African Chardonnay in the 2025 competition.

In a field of 744 Chardonnay entries from around the globe, Thamnus earned a place among the top performers, ranking joint sixth internationally. This remarkable accolade is a milestone for the young label and a powerful statement for South African Chardonnay on the world stage.

Described by Decanter’s judging panel as “a banquet of sumptuous fruit: mangoes, melons, peaches, nectarines and citrus ripple over the mouth-wateringly juicy texture, invigorated by a flinty, mineral grip. Seamless and effortless”, the wine stood out for its vibrant fruit character, precision, and elegance.

For winemaker P.J. Geyer, the award rallies behind the unique expression of the Thamnus vineyards in the Overberg region and the commitment to producing wines of finesse and longevity. “To have our Chardonnay recognised in this way so early in our journey is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

The Thamnus Chardonnay 2022 may have caught the world’s attention this year, but for those who know the wine locally, it’s no surprise at all.