2021 Gabriëlskloof 'Elodie' Chenin Blanc

Swartland, South Africa

100% Chenin Blanc from sustainably farmed dry land bush vines that have never been irrigated. Whole cluster pressed, with overnight rough settling in tank before transferred into 400L & 500L old French oak barrels. Fermented with wild yeasts in 400L & 500L old French oak barrels and remained until blending before bottling. Only 4500 bottles produced.

Light, pale golden straw in colour, this elegant wine has a complex nose with lemon tart, white peach and honeysuckle. Finally a preserved lemon salinity flavors a bracingly clean finish. The palate is concentrated with vibrant acidity and freshness typical of old vine Chenin Blanc. This wine is delicious on its own or paired with creamy, earthy white rind cheeses like Brie. This is drinking well now through to 2030.

96 points, Tim ATkin MW. ""This wonderfully ageworthy Chenin Blanc comes from the same five sites in the Swartland as it has since its maiden vintage in 2015. Barrel-fermented with full malolactic, it has amazing grip and minerality, with thatch, nutmeg and aniseed aromas, honey, baking spice and tarte tatin flavours and palate-cleansing acidity."