TN: 2013 Badenhorst Family Wines Chenin Blanc Secateurs, Swartland SA.
Guess my third bottle. $18 Cdn, SC, 13.5% alc.
Pale yellow color, herbal mineral nose, not too waxy(?). “Ripe tropical fruit nose” comment from across the table. I found it quite appealing…quine and melon on the second day.
Initial entry thought is off-dry, good acidity, mineral tones, ripe apple, pear. Nice grip on the finish, some tartness, has held up very well overnight. Nice CB to start off the month!
Thanks for the notes, Bob!
I originally only had KWV “Steen” (aka Chenin Blanc), and disliked it immensely - back twelve or more years ago. The first South African reds I tasted were from Charles Back and Meerlust (at the time, a very unique and yummy Bordeaux Blend). The French Chenin Blanc wines still remain my favorite white wines, although I am ready to give South Africa another shot.
The identification of older, delicious vineyards in the rapidly changing South African wine scene is exciting! There is a website listing old sites, the planting dates, varieties, etc, compiled online.
Eben Sadie, the Cartography guys, and others are among the lineup of producers who are embracing the potential for greatness in these ancient plantings. I have my work cut out for me!
That map is a treasure!
Just opened the 2013 Anjou Blanc from Roulerie, a domaine I am quite keen on especially their cab franc. This white has a very high level of acidity. Is this a reflection of the vintage in the Loire?
Courtier Charles Sydney wrote…“Chenin Blanc …No idea yet - apart from seeing some first pickings to bring in some ‘baby’ moelleux with a potential of 18º to clean up the harvest to let the remaining grapes ripen more.
With a bit of luck, we should see some pretty good dry Chenin and maybe some moelleux, but that’s guess work. We’re off to see the grapes now (the mist has lifted) and we’re off to Vouvray and Montlouis tomorrow.”
Thanks for the map!
An easy to get SA Chenin that always delivers is Ken Forrester’s “The FMC”. Put some age on it and it’s a stellar $40-50 bottle of wine.
I really like Chenin Blanc as well but all of mine is from the Loire. That is a style I really like.