Survivor Chenin Blanc 2015

Moo.

Worcester winery Overhex Wines International crushes 10 500 tons a year and is one of South Africa’s top 10 exporters. The new range of proudly Swartland wines called Survivor is, to quote MD Gerhard van der Wath, Overhex’s attempt to “get higher up the value chain”.

It’s all a bit half-baked. The name refers to a Nguni cow that jumped off a truck (en route to the abattoir?) and took up residence in a vineyard. Maiden releases include a Chenin Blanc 2015 (R75 a bottle), a Sauvignon Blanc 2015 (R85), a Pinotage 2014 (R125) and a Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (R125). There might be plenty of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cab planted in the Swartland but why you would lead with these varieties when trying to leverage the hipness of this area, I’m not sure. The range is crying out for a Rhône blend…

Needless to say, the Chenin is the most convincing wine. Pear and white peach on the nose. Good fruit concentration without being weighty – medium bodied with fresh acidity, the finish long and dry.

Score: 88/100.