Aristargos, David & Nadia 2023

The 2023 Aristargos is a Chenin-based Rhône-style blend from granite soils, aged in concrete and used barrels. It offers yellow fruit, pear and light wax scents from the small amount of skin contact. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, revealing lightly spiced notes of orange pith and melon on the moderate-length finish. Quietly classy. Drink 2025-2038.

The David & Nadia 2023 Swartland Aristargos is a blend of Chenin Blanc (51%), Sémillon, Colombard, Roussanne, Clairette Blanche, Marsanne, Verdelho, Viognier and Grenache Blanc in decreasing order of importance. There are many instruments in this orchestra. The bouquet starts off with candied lemon drop and continues to reveal a mineral character with orchard fruit and grilled herb. Altogether, it shows a medium texture and a very luminous appearance with a glossy and smooth consistency. The effect is very elegant and beautiful, although you don't necessarily recognize the character of any one particular grape. Production is 13,398 bottles. Drink 2024-2033.

A blend of nine varieties that has aromas of lemon rind, chamomile, apricots and crushed stones. It’s textural and phenolic, with a medium to full body and mineral freshness throughout. A little austere and stony, with a touch of aniseed coming through at the end. 51% chenin blanc, 11% semillon, 10% colombard, 8% roussanne, 6% clairette blanche, 6% marsanne, 4% verdelho, 2% viognier and 2% grenache blanc. Drink now or hold.

Complex blend that's currently a bit more open and appealing than the regular Chenin Blanc. A little smoky and this could give many a white burgundy a run for its money with its solid core of fruit. Long. Drink: 2024-2033