Olifantsberg Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2018

The nose shows hints of crisp green apples, white pear and lingering pineapple. Elegant mouthfeel and texture to compliment a coated acidity with good depth of fruit. A 37-year-old single vineyard bush vine located in the Breedekloof valley. The grapes are grown on alluvial soils using sustainable practices by a passionate grower, who shares our farming philosophy. High density plantings allow for more than 7000 vines/ha.. Harvested by hand and cooled overnight. 6 different picking dates allow us to build natural complexity. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed. Whole berry pressing allows for less phenol extraction during pressing cycle. Juice is settled overnight. During racking enough fine lees is added to the clear juice to ensure enough texture in the finished wine. Natural fermentation further enhance the complexity. 70% fermented and aged in 2000-liter oak foudre, 15% in older 500-liter French oak barrels and 15% stainless steel component. Maturation for 9 months on gross lees. alc 13.0
rs 2.7
pH 3.40
ta 5.6 4.5 stars – Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2021 (91 points)
90 points – Tim Atkin 2020