2017 Chenin Blanc Reserve
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Tasting notes
Opening with a waxy nose with touches of oak and tropical fruits, the 2017 Reserve Chenin Blanc is softly mineral in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine begins with white spiced tea flavors that linger through the mid-palate, offering a kiss of phenolic bitterness with elements of dusty flowers and stone fruit skin. It ends with a persistent, lingering waxy edge and mineral tension. 2,140 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Chenin Blanc, 50% from old blocks, planted in the 1970s, and 50% from 11-year-old vines at higher elevation. Whole-bunch pressed to 25% new 300-litre French oak. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Partial MLF. TA 5.9 g/l, pH 3.34, RS 3.7 g/l. Spicy, nutty oak, overlaid onto ripe apple and some fleshy white peach, with a touch of honeysuckle. Rounded mouthfeel that balances the mouth-watering acidity. Good length with a clear flintiness. (TJ)
Light, green-streaked honey on the nose. Creamy, flattering texture. Green fruit and interest underneath. Approachable but clearly with a fine future. (JR)
The 2017 Reserve Chenin Blanc comes from vines planted in 1972, whole-bunch-pressed with around 18% new oak. The classy, sophisticated bouquet features yellow plum, jasmine, hints of crushed stone and subtle lemon thyme scents. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, the prudent use of oak allowing the grape variety to flourish; hints of dried pineapple and passion fruit mingle with mirabelle toward the poised, animated finish. Superb.