"The fourth release of this old-vine chenin, and it’s another exceptional one. Half crushed and half whole-bunch pressed fruit, with fermentation in concrete and large oak, then maturation in old puncheons. An orchard stroll, crossing the seasons, with fragrant blossoms as well as crisply ripe fruit. Fresh, waxy red apples and green pear, yellow and lemon-skinned citrus, along with poached apple, cumquat, hazelnut and preserved lemon characters. A thread of mineral tension is the insistent plot line, with winemaking aptly subservient. Chenin blanc has never lacked for potential in the Vale, but the standout examples have hardly been legion. Here’s one." 96+ Marcus Ellis Halliday Wine Companion 2027
This vineyard was first planted in 1939, the Chenin Blanc vines go back to 1964.
The fruit was hand-picked. Half of the fruit was crushed and fermented in concrete while the remaining 50% was whole bunch pressed and fermented in large old oak barrels. Full malolactic fermentation took place and the wine spent 12 months maturing in old oak before bottling.
Absolutely delicious wine! Complex, fresh, nutty, gently creamy with great acidity. Very moreish.
