White, 2018
Rall’s flagship wine, the White 2022 is comprised of 72% Chenin, 28% Verdelho and 2% Viognier, increasing the base of high acidity, reflecting Rall’s continued pursuit of precise, ageworthy whites. In the early days it was about texture and richness, since 2017 Donovan has stripped back the blend to great acclaim. All the components are aged separately, all in wood bar one concrete egg. No new oak is used. The 2022 was on the whole early picked and arrives at a refreshing 12.5% alcohol. Notes of citrus, elderflower, flint and stones, with fine earth, essential oils and salted nuts, there is a lot going on here. Donovan regards it as one of the best he has ever made.
critic reviews
The 2018 Rall White is matured in 225- and 500-liter used oak barrels. This has a very composed bouquet of pressed white flowers, hints of linseed and a touch of jasmine unfurling nicely with each swirl of the glass. The palate is very well balanced, offering clementine, pear and light peach skin notes that fan out on the waxy-textured finish. The persistence is very fine, and yellow plum and lemongrass notes linger in the mouth after the wine has departed. Superb.