Description
CELLAR INFORMATION This wine is almost entirely barrel fermented, with a small portion being aged in concrete egg to add a component of body. We handled the wine as carefully and naturally as possible, giving it only a light fining and then bottling with minimal filtration. VINEYARD INFORMATION “This deliciously complex white is a barrel-fermented blend of 54% Roussanne, 30% Chenin Blanc, 9% Verdelho and 7% Viognier. All sourced from a single vineyard at the entrance of the Stark-Conde Oude Nektar farm in the Jonkershoek Valley ward in Stellenbosch, it is planted to a mix of varietals in order to match the complex mosaic of soil types found on this unique plot of land. This is a fabulously complex and characterful fine wine that pays homage to this ancient lost art of winemaking and serves to reinvigorate the entire White Blend category for which South Africa is undoubtedly a world leader.”
Reviews
Greg Sherwood 95
Very Southern Rhone in its varietal mix, but decidedly Mediterranean on the nose with lifted aromatics of wild garlic leaf, white blossom, sweet green herbs, bruised apple and subtle waxy incense notes over a dusty, stony granitic minerality. The barrel fermentation lends additional savoury, honied notes of lemon biscuits, warm white toast and peach stone fruits. On the palate there is a fabulous vibrancy and tangy acid freshness of crunchy yellow orchard fruits, white peach, ripe tangerines and a long, slightly pithy, phenolic finish of tart green pears and wet river pebble minerality. The richness and textural generosity of the of the Roussanne and Viognier is beautifully managed, enlivened by the salinity and freshness of the Chenin Blanc and Verdelho. Field blends seem to be the new trend setters for white wines in the Cape and I have not tasted many better than this yet. Another super exciting Cape white blend that expresses its own sense of place. Drink this on release and over the next 6 to 8+ years. (95/100 Greg Sherwood MW) [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]
