Chenin Blanc, Noa, 2024
Noa 2022 is one concrete egg and one foudré, selected from the highest, most granitic parcel of vines on the Paardeberg, planted in 1969. More concentrated and standoffish than the 2021, the 2022 is highly mineral and really quite serious, with ripe citrus, apple and lime to a firm, palate-staining finish. Tons of potential, so long on the finish.
critic reviews
The Rall 2024 Swartland Chenin Blanc Noa comes from two adjacent vineyard parcels planted in 1971 and 1981 across 2.1 hectares of old vines. Fermented in two concrete eggs and one foudre, with the eggs delivering the most energy, this vintage shows slightly more approachability. It comes alive in the mouth with vibrancy, depth and expressive movement, yet it would still benefit from time in bottle. These precious old bush vines rooted in Swartland’s ancient granite soils produce naturally low yields and concentrated fruit that translate into both power and lift.
The 2024 Chenin Noa differs from Ava by being matured in 3,000-litre foudres and coming from schistous soils. It has a beautiful nose with a little more precision than the Ava. The palate is a little oily in texture, quite spicy with a resinous finish, although overall, I feel that the Ava has a little more charm and personality.