The 2019 Block W Chenin Blanc is mineral in profile, tightly wound in its youth, slowly maturing overtime to release delicate floral nuances, trimmed with a finely poised line of acidity. Textured with delicate spice from subtle oak ageing, this is a superlative example of Chenin Blanc with a saline finish.
The grapes come from the Single Vineyard Block W, which is located in the Rustenhof area of Stellenbosch. The soil is Cambrian Cape granite, a duplex soil with a marked textural contrast between the coarse sandy topsoil and the clay enriched subsoil. The clay subsoil, offers good water retention properties, which help to nourish the vines during the hot summers. The vineyard is situated just over 2.5 miles from the sea and vines are grown at an elevation of 65 to 70 metres. The sea breezes have a cooling influence on the vines, imbuing the grapes with a natural acidity that beautifully balances the ripe, concentrated flavours the grapes reach in this warm, sunny climate.
Bright straw colour. Aromas of struck match accentuate an expressive nose of almond, caramilized sugar, nougat, lychee and sweet fresh hay. The palate is rich yet dry and structured, with a viscous texture characteristic of the variety. It still has really fresh acidity after 7 years and is just a delcious example of evolving bottle aged pinot gris.
