Secret Cellar No. 235 Chenin Blanc 2015

Fire-starter,

So how does the Ultra Liquor Secret Cellar No. 235 Chenin Blanc 201, winner of best in class at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, actually taste?

According to the competition organisers, the certification codes for the bottling entered ranged from 7660 169128 to 7660 170474 and my bottle was numbered as 7660 169956 so from the same batch as was judged.

Alcohol by volume is 13.5% but, as is now well-documented, nothing about provenance (other than WO Coastal Region) or producer. A little blossom before notes of citrus and apple plus some leesy complexity. It’s relatively light bodied with fresh acidity and savoury, almost bitter finish. Classically styled and restrained to the point of severe. Perhaps not the most intricate example of the variety out there but I suspect I would reward it highly in other line-ups. Price: R35 a bottle.

#WinemagRating: 90/100.

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