Chenin Blanc, Noa, 2024
First bottled in 2021 as a single vineyard, it is moving towards a “best granite” blend with the dominant part still being the 1969 high planted Paardeberg site. The 2024 offers more in terms of mid-palate with some yellow fruits and white elements, underpinned by a briny, nervous acidity and chalky finish. Aged exclusively in concrete and bottled after 11 months.
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 Swartlands 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.