Grenache Blanc, 2020

Tasting Note:

From a single vineyard in the Piekenierskloof averaging 20 years old at 600-650m elevation. Donovan laments that “we don’t have old Grenache Blanc in South Africa. The oldest Grenache Blanc I knew of was 42 years old, but it was pulled out before I could get my hands on it.” Bottled early at the same time as the Cinsault and Cinsault Blanc after around six months. “In 2020 it came it a bit riper than I’d usually do for a first pick (at 11.5%) but I loved the tension so I brought the later picks forward and picked the second component just two days later.” My 2019 Grenache Blanc was extremely successful and a crowd pleaser but I think 2020 is better. More varietal flavours – lots of green fruit and with a tighter pithy, drier finish. Complex and salty with an intensity without it feeling heavy.