Raats Family Wines, Old Vine Chenin Blanc

This wine epitomises the understated elegance of Chenin Blanc. It’s restrained, yet complex, nose offers quince, ripe pear, orange blossoms, nettles and spice. On the palate the wine shows pineapple and lemongrass and the cloves, nutmeg and ginger of the nose follow through against a backdrop of vibrant acidity, ending with a long spicy, limey note. The wine’s beauty lies in its lightness of touch and in the elegant way its complexity is revealed.

Soil specific wine from both vertical hedge and bush vines. From three specific vineyards in Stellenbosch. Average age of 45 years or older. Soil from natural combination of decomposed Dolomite granite and Table Mountain sandstone.

50% of the wine was fermented and matured in 300 litre French oak barrels to accentuate the soft, luscious flavours; 50% fermented in stainless steel to contribute a crisp acidity and bright citrus flavours. After 11 months, the two components are blended together and left on the lees for a further 2 months before bottling. Fermentation temperature: 18-22°C.

Jancis Robinson 16.5++ Points