Mason Road Chenin Blanc 2020

C’mon, summer!

Mason Road, the second label Chenin Blanc from Brookdale in Paarl, is shaping as a great option for those looking for a largely unoaked example of variety.

The 2020 vintage is very primary but in the best way – the nose shows a herbal top note before pear, peach, citrus and guava while the palate has good fruit concentration, racy acidity and a pithy finish. Great quality relative to price at R110 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

The 2018 vintage of the first-label Brookdale seems to have more heft than the impressive maiden-vintage 2017. Vinification involved spontaneous fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in 500-litre French oak barrels, 25% new. The nose shows citrus, stone fruit, ginger and other spice, some leesy complexity and a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich, full and thick textured. Tangy acidity lends balance and the finish is nicely savoury. Price: R280 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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