Grenache Blanc, 2024
The 2024 recalls the 2017 and 2021 insofar as it is less immediate than the 2023 which was open from the beginning. Donovan explained that heatwaves were less impactful in the Piekenierskloof, and this enabled him to do two picks quite close together. Tight and pithy with a lovely purity of fine green and red appley fruits, peach and herbs. From a sandstone vineyard at elevation touching 700m, it is aged exclusively in concrete and bottled after 6-8 months to maintain freshness.
critic reviews
The Rall 2024 Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc comes from own-rooted bush vines planted in sandy soils at high elevation in Piekenierskloof, where vines of just 25 years old resemble old trees in this wild and isolated site. This is the only ungrafted vineyard Donovan Rall works with, and its remote position brings distinctive character. The fruit is harvested in two passes, the first to secure acidity and the second determined by walking the vineyard and tasting for optimal flavor, resulting in a 50-50 blend of the two. Fermented in concrete eggs to preserve freshness in a variety that oxidizes and browns quickly, the wine is focused and sharp with precise lines and striking energy. The high elevation and cool night temperatures of Piekenierskloof allow Grenache Blanc to retain remarkable tension despite intense sunlight.
The 2024 Grenache Blanc is fermented and aged in concrete. This has quite a herbaceous nose, with undergrowth and mulch aromas. It just feels a little raw aromatically. The palate is light and a little vegetal on the entry, with touches of green asparagus and white pepper. It doesn't have the class of Rall's other whites.