Nuwedam Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017

Of the land.

First wine to bear the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal as devised by the Old Vine Project is Nuwedam Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017, grapes from a 1974 vineyard on Christa von Le Chevallerie’s Swartland property.

Von Le Chevallerie tends 20ha of vineyard altogether, supplying the likes of Chris “Butch” Alheit, Peter-Allan Finlayson of Gabriëlskloof, the Mullineuxs  and Donovan Rall. While she has made some bubbly for some time now, she at last decided it was time to launch a still wine under the name of the property.

Some 4.5 tons were picked, Eben Sadie making some of the wine in the Swartalnd and Alheit the rest in Hermanus, the two components blended together after some nine months in old oak.

It’s an absolute cracker. Citrus, white peach and even a hint of pineapple plus dried herbs and earth on the nose while the palate is very well balanced with pure, super-concentrated fruit, punchy acidity and a pithy finish. Approximate retail price: R350 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

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