Mount Abora Koggelbos Chenin Blanc 2019

The 2019 vintage of Mount Abora Koggelbos Chenin Blanc from Krige Visser and Pieter de Waal is orange in colour and “orange” in taste. Whereas the 2018 vintage saw the Swartland combined with Bot River, the 2019 sees the fusion of grapes from two Bot River vineyards, one a 37-year-old block on sandy soil and the other a 15-year-old block on sandstone, the latter portion fermented on skins and a small percentage of stalks, before maturation lasting nine months in 530-litre Zeppelin eggs.

Suffice to say, the whole winemaking process is as oxidative as possible and the result is pretty out there. The nose recalls the liqueur Campari – potpourri, orange, herbs and spice while the palate has great fruit concentration, tangy acidity and a deeply savoury finish. It’s not for everyone but I thought it was smashing. Price: R160 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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