| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | White |
| Type | Still |
A perfumed nose of white peaches, dried lemon peel, hazelnut and grated nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied. Rather enveloping with pristine freshness and clarity. Silky texture. So much delicacy and grace here. Subtle tannins. Attractive now but will age wonderfully. From vineyards planted in 1968. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
The 2-ha Hoë-Steen vineyard, planted with a mass selection in 1968 west of Malmesbury towards Darling, in deep, red iron and clay-rich soils. This block is a late ripener due to south-facing slopes. A few Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc), False Pedro, Palomino, Sémillon and Clairette Blanche vines grow among the Chenin Blanc (Steen) vines. 'We see it as part of the Cape’s old vineyard history which we are privileged to be working with', say David and Nadia. There were two pickings mid/end February. Grapes were hand-sorted, whole-bunch pressed and matured in old French oak barrels for a year. The wine has a Certified Heritage Vineyards seal and forms part of the Old Vine Project. RS 1.7 g/l.
Very tight nose with real restraint. Then it opens out on the palate. Really throbs. Smoky nose. Very elegant indeed. And a little more approachable from some of its peers. Then extremely long. Lemon-pastille flavour with some floral notes. Masses of life and wildness. Reminds me strongly of a biodynamically grown wine. Drink 2022-2034.
