Winemaker Notes
David & Nadia's main Chenin blanc from the Swartland focusses yet again on various Old Vine Vineyards, with plantings ranging from 1968 till 1986. The wine is based on granite from the Paardeberg, blended with shale/schist from the east, more clay rich soils from the north and iron rich soils from the western parts of the Swartland. Dry land farmed bush vines have stood the test of time and it showcases the ultimate reason why Chenin Blanc is their main focus in the Swartland.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This is showing aromas of apricot stones, almonds, cardamom and lemon pith. It’s medium-bodied with plenty of phenolic texture, with a fresh, mineral and almost chalky finish.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chenin Blanc comes from a blend of eight single vineyards, four of which are bottled as single-vineyard Chenin Blanc. It displays a refined nose with notions of apple and citrus blossom and white peach and wax melon. Medium-bodied and with a fine mineral tension, the palate displays a kiss of phenolic bitterness before revealing layers of complexity. It ends with a refined, fresh, ethereal finish. Enjoy with food.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.
Literally meaning "the black land," Swartland takes its name from the endangered, indigenous "renosterbos" (translating to rhino bush), which used to be plentiful enough to turn the entire landscape a dark color certain during times of year. The district, attracting some of the most adventurous and least interventionist winemakers, excels in robust and full-bodied reds as well as quality fortified wines.