Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"This Swartland Chenin blend has upfront aromas of fresh stone fruit and lightly poached pears which follow through to a complex palate which has layers of yellow grapefruit and nectarines, a vibrant acidity with hints of ginger and citrus-like galangal on the finish.
Our 2023 Old Vines White continues the marriage of old vine Chenin Blanc with Mediterranean varieties planted on the Granite-, Schist- and Iron-based soils of the Swartland. The incredible texture and backbone of the blend is brought by low yielding old-vine Chenin Blanc grown on all these soils. The Clairette Blanche and Grenache Blanc add layers of salinity and freshness, and its opulent fragrance is from the Viognier, Semillon Gris and Verdelho. These vineyards are up to sixty-eight years old, and all sustainably farmed.
Pressed whole-bunch, the juice is then racked to barrel for fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and lasts up to 10 weeks. The wine is left on its lees without additional sulphur until spring. During this time the wine finished malolactic fermentation. The barrels are racked and blended just before the following vintage and the wine is bottled unfiltered. 11 months in 3rd to 5th fill French oak 500L barrels and two new 2000L Foudre."
95/100 Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za (2023 Vintage)
"Matured for 11 months in a combination of older barrels and foudre. Citrus, peach, herbs, ginger and a little waxy character on the nose. This vintage is substantial but completely harmonious – excellent fruit density, brisk acidity and a dry finish. Alcohol is 14% and the wine has good texture and weight."