Le Grand Jardin Chenin Blanc 2012

A little something from the big garden.

Yesterday the Le Grand Jardin range made by Jean Daneel from grapes grown on his Napier property.  I thought they showed Daneel’s classical sensibility but are a bit over-priced.

Le Grand Jardin Chenin Blanc 2012: 15.5/20
Price: R85
A pretty wine with subtle notes of pear and white peach. Clean and fresh. Quintessential unwooded Chenin. Still rather primary, should age well.

Le Grand Jardin White Blend 2010: 15.5/20
Price: R150
50% Chenin Blanc, 50% Sauvignon Blanc. 22 months in 3^rd and 4^th fill barrels. Straw yellow tending to gold in colour. Lime through peach and a touch of honey on the nose and palate. Relatively thick textured, coated acidity. Slight discordance between the two varieties.

Le Grand Jardin Red Blend 2010: 15.5/20
Price: R150
75% Shiraz, 25% Merlot. 36 months in 4^th and 5^th barrel. Red and black fruit plus a slight earthy note on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Quite old fashioned in style, it appears more savoury than sweet.