"This 100% Chardonnay is a zero dosage that shows expert precision of the nose. Rested on the lees for 85 months, the NV Absolu is a clear champion in South African sparkling wine and embodies the heart of blanc de blanc Champagne. It has a textured leesiness across the mid-palate, with a green apple edge and the lemon pithiness of classic French bubbles. The expression is long, focused and highly complex showing soft hints of cheese rind, ending with a crisp, mineral finish. This effort expresses a serious attempt to make quality-minded sparkling wine in South Africa for the Méthode Cap Classique category, and this particular bottling is one of the best sparkling wines coming from South Africa. This particular bottling was not yet available when I visited the estate, but you can rest assured that when it is available for purchase, I will be adding some to my cellar. I honestly tried to buy some while I was visiting with Colmant and the owner/winemaker told me, "No, it's not available yet". I can respect that. Put this bottling on your shopping list! - Anthony MUELLER"

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (October 31st 2019, Issue 245), 93+ pts

"Even better than the delicious previous release, this is based on the 2012 vintage and spent 87 months on lees before disgorgement. Showing the freshness, focus and ageing potential of all great Blanc de Blancs, it's nutty and complex with salty, tangy minerality, notes of fresh bread and patisserie and an assertively bone-dry finish. 2020-25"

- Tim Atkin MW (South Africa 2020 Special Report), 95 pts

"Recruiting top MCC expert Paul Gerber was quite a coup for Jean-Philippe Colmant and seems to be paying dividends in the bottle. Very lightly wooded, this bracingly dry all-Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs uses fruit from Franschhoek, Robertson and Elgin, with 16% reserve wine dating back to 2006. Structured, bready and bracingly taut, with aniseed and citrus flavours, subtle autolysis and a lingering finish. Sublime stuff. 2022-30"

- Tim Atkin MW (South Africa 2021 Special Report), 96 pts

"Right up there with the very best bubblies in South Africa, Absolu is a bone-dry Chardonnay that uses grapes from Elgin, Franschhoek and Robertson. Aged for 72 months on lees, with 16% reserve wine, it has flavours of aniseed, white pepper and wild mushrooms, very fine bubbles, crunchy acidity and a hint of wood spices. 2022-28"

- Tim Atkin MW (South Africa 2022 Special Report), 95 pts