Chenin Blanc is a variety that we have always wanted to work with but were waiting for the right vineyard to come along. Towards the end of 2015, we came across a beautiful site up on the Polkadraai Hills. This faux-bushvine vineyard had been farmed for sweet wine production, and the farmer was happy that a few us were excited to make some dry wine out of it! A little bit of TLC and we had a special block on our hands.
We whole-bunch press this wine to a concrete tank, where it is left to ferment naturally. We let the wine complete malolactic fermentation and stabilise itself, and the wine is then left on the lees for around 4 months before its first racking. It spends a total of 9 months in barrel before bottling.
Vitals
100% Chenin Blanc W.O Stellenbosch
Vineyard: Karibib
Planting Year: 1981
Grown by: Jozua Joubert
Soil: Weathered granite
Alcohol: 13.10%
pH: 3.35
Total Acidity: 6.82 g/L
Christian Eedes (Winemag): “Top notes of honeysuckle and hay before yellow peach on the nose. The palate shows succulent fruit and moderate acidity with some light grip to the finish. Has a pleasing honesty about it. 92pt.”
