Corney Family Wines maiden releases

Cameron Corney, formerly assistant winemaker to André van Rensburg at Vergelegen and now incumbent at Almenkerk in Elgin, has launched his own label under certain constraints: no overlap with either district or employer, meaning no Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Merlot. The result is two examples of Chenin Blanc, making for an impressive debut.

Swartland Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R330
From a vineyard planted in 2003 on granite outside Malmesbury. Matured for nine months in older oak. Pretty aromatics of pear, peach and citrus – primary but not facile. The palate is vivid and well composed – lovely clarity of fruit and bright acidity before a pithy finish. Alc: 12.58%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R330
From a vineyard on Stellenbosch property Keermont planted in 2007. Maturation as above. Lemon, apple, herbs and maybe a touch of earth. The palate is luscious – good depth of fruit and well-integrated acidity, sweet upfront but ends dry. Broader in frame than its Swartland counterpart but still properly controlled. Alc: 13.94%.

CE’s rating: 93 | Serious

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