Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2024
A more succulent, floral and gentle nose, leading with honey and pear and white fleshed stone fruits, this accomplished Chenin Blanc is old vine project certified and benefits from the inclusion of fruit from each of the four single vineyard Chenins, plus four additional OVP granitic sites, ensuring this composed, stony, mineral Chenin is routinely amongst the best blends in the Cape.
critic reviews
The David & Nadia 2024 Swartland Chenin Blanc is built from eight single vineyards planted between 1968 and 1986 (and all recorded in the Old Vine Register), with 16 separate pickings forming the backbone of the blend. Whole-bunch pressing and restrained skin contact preserve clarity, aiming for a linear and tactile expression. While Swartland is often associated with shale, roughly 70% of this blend comes from granite soils, with additional iron-rich clay, limestone and ferricrete contributing nuance. The nose is expressive and focused, while the palate is tighter and less immediately expansive, favoring structure over volume. The wine reflects the regions old-vine Chenin Blanc heritage and reinforces the Swartlands growing identity as a benchmark for the variety.
The 2024 Chenin Blanc comes from eight vineyards, assembled from 16 pickings and is matured in concrete and older barrels. It has a delightful bouquet with pressed yellow flowers, hints of egg whites and jasmine. The palate is very well balanced with a keen line of acidity, tensile from start to finish. Very fine texture on the finish, this is a delicious and complex Chenin Blanc.