Villion Blanc de l’Atlantique 2016

Kobie Viljoen, previously of Gäbrielskloof, now makes wine under his Villion Family Wines label – he is a descendant of Francois Villion, the first French Huguenot to settle in the Cape having arrived in 1671, Villion subsequently adulterated to Viljoen.

While self-employment is good for the soul, it’s nevertheless nerve-wracking in business terms but Viljoen seems to be off to a good start, his 2016 whites looking particularly accomplished. Tasting note and ratings as follows:

Villion Henning Chenin Blanc 2016
Price: R180
W.O. Bot River. Naartjie and white peach, some yeasty complexity and a hint of spice. Nice weight and texture, tangy acidity lending refreshment, the finish savoury. Rewarding without being too geeky.

#WinemagRating: 90/100.

Villion Chardonnay 2016
Price: R180
W.O. Elgin. On the nose, pear, white peach and citrus plus subtle notes of vanilla and oatmeal. The palate shows pure fruit, bright acidity and well-judged oak. Medium bodied but not lacking in flavour intenstity.

#WinemagRating: 90/100.

Ocean influenced.

Villion Blanc de l’Atlantique 2016
Price: R200
W.O. Cape South Coast. 68% Viognier, 22% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc. An exotic and compelling nose of floral perfume, fynbos, white peach, lime and lemon plus ginger and other spice. On the palate, lovely pure fruit and zippy acidity, the finish long and dry. Has real interest.

#WinemagRating: 92/100.