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62% Chenin Blanc, 10% Semillon Gris, 13% Clairette Blanche, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Viognier, 2% Verdelho
This complex wine is our signature expression of the old vines and ancient soils from the Swartland. During the growing season, the vines were exposed to some heat spikes, but cool evenings and very little precipitation, which resulted in a slow and gradual ripening period and beautifully concentrated berries.
Upfront aromas of fresh stone fruit and lightly poached pear follow through to a complex palate with layers of yellow grapefruit and nectarines, a vibrant acidity and hints ginger and citrus-esque galangal on the finish. This wine is best served at 10 to 12 °C and will benefit from ageing.
$32.99
4 ½ Stars 2025 Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Elegant flagship white mostly chenin, 62% in 23 (94 pts), from vines up to 70 years. With clairette, grenache blanc, viognier, semillon gris & verdelho, same partners as 22 (95 pts). Seamless, pristine & sustained aromas & flavours of orchard fruit, crisp apple, bayleaf, touch of honey. Rich & intense yet light tripping. 20% new barrel & foudre, 11 months.
94 pts Tim Atkin MW 2024
Parcels on granite, schist, iron and quartz contribute to this old-vine cuvée of Chenin Blanc, 13% Clairette, 10% Semillon Gris, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Viognier and 2% Verdelho. Exotic yet well balanced, it has a medley of citrus and stone fruit flavours, stylish wood and enough acidity and minerality to lift and freshen the finish. 2025-29
93 pts James Suckling Oct 2024
Lovely nose of blanched almonds, lemons, chamomile and sliced pears. Crushed stones and seashells too. It’s mineral and very textural, full-bodied, with an almost chalky texture. 62% chenin blanc, 13% clairette blanche, 10% semillon gris, 8% grenache blanc, 5% viognier and 2% verdelho. Drink now or hold
92 pts Vinous Aug 2024
The 2023 White Old Vines is based on 70-year-old Grenache Blanc vines that lend the wine more texture and density. Fermented mainly in 2,000-liter foudres it was oxidatively handled in the press, encouraged (though not forced) through malo and raised on the lees. This has a complex nose: fresh pear, grilled walnut and light smoky scents, gaining delineation in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a nuanced opening. Hints of mango mix with light citric notes, a keen line of acidity and a lively, peppery finish. Excellent.
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 the low yielding old-vine Chenin Blanc, grown on all three of our focus soil types. 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
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