‘From a Helderberg vineyard planted in 1957, this was matured for 10 months in a mix of old oak, terracotta egg, and dolium (a large amphora). The nose reveals pear, peach, lemon, herbs, and a hint of reduction, while the palate is sumptuous and sexy – weight and creaminess in part due to some residual sugar, the acidity nicely coated, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.95%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100.
VITICULTURE
From an old Chenin vineyard planted on the Helderberg,
planted in 1957 on decomposed granite with clay subsoil.
These bushvines yield tiny bunches with very small grapes,
inspiring the name “Bonsai” Chenin Blanc.
VINIFICATION
Hand harvested and cooled overnight, this was wholebunch
pressed, very gently, directly to seasoned French Oak
barrels, terracotta eggs and dolia. The fermentation started
spontaneously and at 15 degrees balling a neutral yeast was
introduced to complete the fermentation. Elevage for 10
months on lees before racking and bottling.
TASTING NOTES
The Geographica Chenin Blanc 2022 shows a luminous pale
lemon hue with a hint of green.
On the nose the wine displays an intense stone fruit, quince,
ginger, yellow apple and stony minerality. Constantly
evolving in the glass the wine takes on a savoury saline
aroma, subtle nuttiness and gunflint.
The palate is almost overwhelmingly intense and rich,
balanced by an energetic acidity and dense fruit weight.
There is a pithy phenolic midpalate giving volume and
structure and the wine finishes pleasingly long.
