Simonsig Langbult Steen 2022

Simonsig in Stellenbosch has just released Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022. Previously known as Chenin Avec Chêne, grapes come from a vineyard planted on a long hill (“Langbult”) in 1987, the wine now eligible for certified heritage status with the Old Vine Project.

Spontaneously fermented and matured for 11 months in older 300- and 400-litre barrels, the nose shows top notes of flowers and herbs before citrus and peach, a hint of spice as well as some leesy character while the palate has concentrated fruit and zippy acidity, the finish savoury and even slightly bitter. Alc: 13.5%.

It rated 90 points in the recent Prescient Chenin Blanc Report and it sells for R235 a bottle. It comes across as primary and perhaps a little angular now and should only gain in complexity with a year or two in bottle.

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