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White
Rall Wines

White, 2021

Available Vintages
justerini & brooks tasting note

Donovan’s flagship wine, the Rall White 2021 is comprised of 68% Chenin, 28% Verdelho and 4% Viognier reflecting the continued pursuit of precise, ageworthy whites. In the early days it was all about more texture, inspired by Eben Sadie’s Palladius, but since 2017 Donovan has stripped back the blend, omitting Chardonnay for example, in favour of a tighter acidity and more stony, mineral complexity. All the components are aged separately, in 500L barrels for the Verdelho and Viognier and used barrique for the Chenin. No new oak is employed at all. The 2021 has a cleansing feel to it, with notes of salted-citrus, cut apples, stones and full, shimmering finish.

critic reviews

91/100Anthony Mueller,Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2021 White Blend begins with a softly floral nose and a fresh frame of dusty citrus blossom and yellow cherry skin. Medium-bodied, the palate continues to show a thoughtful mineral tension that is food-friendly before a juicy essence of lemon meringue and lime candy lifts the mid-palate. The wine continues to unfold and uncoil over the delightfully long finish, revealing great depth with surprising texture. Bravo!

DRINKING WINDOW 2022 - 2032
date of review 12/2022
94/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2021 White comes from a vineyard that actually forms the backbone of Chris Alheit's Cartology. This is matured in used French oak. It has a beautifully detailed bouquet with mineral-rich citrus fruit, quite slate-like with impressive focus. The palate is saline on the entry, lightly spiced with a subtle oily texture, long and tender on the finish. Superb.

DRINKING WINDOW 2024 - 2045
date of review 09/2022

product details

Country:
South Africa
Region:
Swartland
Appellation:
Producer:
Rall Wines