Skaliekop, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2021

These vines were planted in 1985 in very shallow shale soils in the Paardeberg, being an anomaly as the mountain is granite driven. “These soils prove why our region is known for wheat farms as it remains a difficult soil for vineyards in a warm region, dryland-farming context.” A small tractor road divides the Plat’bos and Skaliekop vineyards. Skaliekop was harvested mid/end February over three picking dates. The wines of the different pickings were aged separately, before blending and then bottling at the end of the year. A more citrus-driven style, so linear and mineral, buzzing with lime-leaf, apples, and lemony freshness, this is an absolutely delicious, mouthwatering Chenin Blanc. 2,200bts were produced.