Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top Ten Challenge 2018 winners

Results of the fifth annual Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge, convened by the producer body known as the Chenin Blanc Association, are now out. There were 159 entries in total and the winning wines are as follows:

Cederberg Private Cellar Five Generations 2016
DeMorgenzon Reserve 2017
Jean Daneel Wines Signature 2016
Leopard’s Leap Culinaria 2016
Mulderbosch Vineyards Steen op Hout 2017
Slanghoek Wynkelder Legends Barrel Fermented 2016
Spier Wines 21 Gables 2017
Stellenrust ‘53’ Barrel Fermented 2017
Wellington Wines La Cave 2016
Wildekrans Barrel Select Reserve 2017

Scores and tasting notes for my top three as follows:

94
DeMorgenzon Reserve 2017
Price: R375
From a 1972 vineyard. Matured for 10 months in French oak, 20% new. A hint of reduction before white peach, citrus, a subtle herbal note and spice. Conentrated fruit, fresh acidity before a long and savoury finish. Precisely made – substantial (alcohol is 14.4%) but equally beautifully poised.

94
Stellenrust ‘53’ Barrel Fermented 2017
Price: R200
From a 1964 vineyard. Fermented and matured for nine months in barrel. Pear, peach, citrus, a slight herbal note plus some leesy complexity. Concentrated fruit and really driving acidity (TA is 7.9g/l) before a very savoury finish – dramatic stuff.

93
Cederberg Private Cellar Five Generations 2016
Price: R225
Includes 10% Viognier. Matured for 11 months in 400-litre barrels, 33% new. A floral top note before peach and citrus. Lovely fruit definition, fresh acidity and particularly dry finish – seamlessly assembled.

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