Winemaker Notes
This 2022 Rotsbank bottling displays flinty, almost crushed eggshell aromas with grapefruit and more tropical aspects once the initial minerality of the site gave way in the aromas. The wine is incredibly concentrated on the aromatics; the same concentration follows through on the palate. The tannins have massive tension, and the wine’s substantial acidity and dry finish suggest a wine that will only benefit much from time in the bottle.
This very restrained and firm wine will pair exceptionally well with shellfish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Now this is a stunningly complex and lively chenin blanc. So aromatically complex, with aromas of lemons, white miso, chamomile, fresh apricots, crushed rock and flint stone. So powerful yet elegant, medium- to full-bodied, with such length and continuation that it lasts for minutes. Salty towards the end. From bush vines planted in 1987. Fantastic already, but even better from 2025.
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Wine Spectator
Chiseled acidity hones flavors of poached quince and apple, preserved lemon, smoke and wild sage in this vivid white, while a salty underpinning drives the finish. Chenin Blanc.
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.