Laibach Chenin Blanc Sur Lie 2018

Young buck.

The maiden vintage Chenin Blanc Sur Lie 2017 from Laibach was one of the finds of last year (see here) and the follow-up 2018 doesn’t disappoint.

Grapes from a 2011 block farmed organically, half are destemmed and the rest is allowed to ferment with carbonic maceration for three weeks, maturation thereafter lasting 11 months in a combination of concrete egg and 500-litre barrels.

The nose is very fragrant with notes of honeysuckle, citrus, peach, pineapple, a hint of bee’s wax plus a little spice in the background while the palate has excellent fruit concentration, tangy acidity and a slightly bitter finish. Plenty of weight and power, this’s the antithesis of the ethereal wines being made by the likes of Alheit or David & Nadia but compelling in its own way.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.