Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023

The FMC from Ken Forrester is one of the most famous examples of Chenin Blanc around but with the current-release 2022 selling for R775 a bottle, it’s not exactly everyday drinking. The Old Vine Reserve, however, is much more affordable – the newly released 2023 selling for R175 a bottle – and the ratio of quality relative to price is good.

Fermented in a combination of tank and barrel, the nose shows top notes of floral perfume and hay before peach plus hints of honey and vanilla. The palate has good fruit expression and bright acidity. Weight and texture are pleasing but not surprisingly the wine comes across as still very primary and a degree of extra complexity should come with time in bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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