Skaliekop, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2024
Beautiful pulpy white and yellow fruits with a balm-like quality and a wash of upright, salty, dried-pineapple like Chenin, the acidity more integrated at this point than it can be; hugely persistent and classy. Skaliekop is a rare shale outcrop on the Paardeberg mountain planted in 1985, producing Chenins that David Sadie often describes as having immense “lateral tension”. Ageing is carried out in used oak barrels. Just 2000 bottles produced.
critic reviews
The David & Nadia 2024 Swartland Skaliekop Chenin Blanc comes from a 1.4-hectare vineyard planted in 1985 on shale with underlying clay, ("skaliekop" refers to a "shale hill"). One of five verified heritage sites farmed by the estate, it is harvested in up to eight separate pickings to understand the parcels many hidden nuances. The northwest-facing slope promotes warmth, while clay retains moisture and supports mid-season ripening. Compared to Platbos, Skaliekop shows more stone fruit development and a broader textural frame. The shale-based soils contribute phenolic structure and layered complexity, resulting in a gorgeous and expressive Chenin Blanc that feels a little more immediate at this young stage.
The 2024 Chenin Blanc Skaliekop comes from shale soils on the Paardeberg. It has an elegant bouquet with lanolin and light pressed yellow flower scents. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity, a textural Chenin with a pithy, enticing finish. One of those Chenins that grow on you.