L’Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2017

L’Avenir might be owned by French company AdVini but the portfolio is very much South African biased with Chenin Blanc and Pinotage to the fore. Tasting notes and ratings for the current-release premium offerings as follows:

Coming into its own.

L’Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2017
Price: R360
From a block planted in 1973. Matured for 12 months in older French oak (winemaker Dirk Coetzee has abandoned the use of acacia and the wine is now a little less confected). A pronounced nose with top notes of potpourri and dried herbs before white peach, citrus and a little earthiness. The palate shows terrific fruit concentration and plenty of detail combined with super-fresh acidity, the finish long and dry.  Previous vintages have been very good but this is excellent. Alcohol: 14%.

Editor’s rating: 95/100.

L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage 2016
Price: R500
From a block planted in 1990. Matured for 24 months in French oak, 20% new. Floral perfume and incense before red berries, spice and earth on the nose. The palate, meanwhile, is marked by pure fruit, fresh acidity and firm but fine tannins. Carefully crafted, this is a pretty impressive take on this often difficult variety. Alcohol: 14.5%.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

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