Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc 2024

The 2024 vintage of The 1947 (price: R755 a bottle) from Bottelary property Kaapzicht is not so much powerful as it is commanding. Grapes from the second oldest Chenin Blanc in the country, the name marking the year of planting, only 1.1ha remains. Winemaking involved spontaneous fermentation and maturation lasting 10 months, 28% in new 500-litre barrels, 50% second-fill 500-litre barrels and 22% 600-litre amphorae.

The nose is complex and expressive – thatch and fynbos to start, then citrus and white peach and a touch of waxiness.

The palate is rich and intensely flavoured, but equally there’s no lack of freshness while a subtle, tonic-like bitterness to the finish also helps to keep things in check. Despite a relatively high alcohol of 13.82% and 5g/l of residual sugar, the wine wears its concentration lightly, the fruit definition very good.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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