Beaumont Hope Marguerite Chenin Blanc 2018
By Christian Eedes, 20 September 2019
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5
Fail-safe.
Is there a top-end Chenin Blanc with a longer track record of excellence than Hope Marguerite from the Beaumont property in Bot River? First made in the late 1990s, the wine has grown in stature ever since and is now a leading example of what can be done with old vines, grapes from two such blocks, one planted in 1974 and the other in 1978.
The current-release 2018 involved spontaneous fermentation before 10 months of maturation in 400-litre French oak barrels, 15% new. The nose shows flowers, dried herbs, white peach, citrus and spice on the nose while some smoky reduction also lends interest. The palate shows great fruit definition, bright acidity and just a little phenolic grip on the finish. Layers of flavour, the overall impression savoury rather than sweet but nothing too severe about it – just beautifully envisioned by winemaker Sebastian Beaumont. Wine Cellar price: R315 a bottle.
Editor’s rating: 95/100.
Find our South African wine ratings database here.
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Bruce | 23 September 2019
David Trafford has produced his excellent chenin since mid 1990’s perhaps without too much fanfare, but certainly a top end drop.
Top Wine SA | 24 September 2019
De Trafford might be good Bruce, but that good?
Kwispedoor | 20 September 2019
I think the maiden vintage Hope Marguerite was 1997, while the maiden vintage FMC was 2001 (2000 if you count the maiden CWG bottling). Both producers had a “standard” Chenin that preceded their flagship bottlings, of course.
Top Wine SA | 20 September 2019
Ken Forrester FMC perhaps?
Smirrie | 20 September 2019
Is there a top-end Chenin Blanc with a longer track record of excellence than Hope Marguerite from the Beaumont property in Bot River?
No.