- 62% Chenin Blanc, 10% Semillon Gris, 13% Clairette Blanche, 8% Grenache Blanc, 5% Viognier & 2% Verdelho
- All the vineyards are sustainably farmed and are up to 68 years old
- Old vine Chenin Blanc with Mediterranean varieties planted on the Granite, Schist, and Iron-based soils of the Swartland
- Low yielding old-vine Chenin Blanc brings incredible texture as the backbone of the blend and is grown on all three soil types
- Layers of lively freshness, salinity and opulent fragrance are brought by Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Semillon Gris, Verdelho and Viognier
- Carefully hand harvested to respect the low juice-to-berry ratio inherent to the old vines
- Once the cool grapes were oxidatively whole-bunch pressed, the juice was allowed to settle overnight
- Fermented with indigenous yeast, which lasted up to nine weeks, and any natural malolactic fermentation was allowed to take its course with lees aging
-
Aged for 11 months in 3rd to 5th fill French oak 500L barrels and one new 2000L foudre
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2024
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Swartland
Appellation:
Swartland
Variety:
Blend - Swartland
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ZA-MUL-01-24 | 12/750ml |
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2023
James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2024-11-25
"Lovely nose of blanched almonds, lemons, chamomile and sliced pears. Crushed stones and seashells too. It's mineral and very textural, full-bodied, with an almost chalky texture. 62% chenin blanc, 13% clairette blanche, 10% semillon gris, 8% grenache blanc, 5% viognier and 2% verdelho. Drink now or hold."
2023
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2024-09-19
"The 2023 White Old Vines is based on 70-year-old Grenache Blanc vines that lend the wine more texture and density. Fermented mainly in 2,000-liter foudres it was oxidatively handled in the press, encouraged (though not forced) through malo and raised on the lees. This has a complex nose: fresh pear, grilled walnut and light smoky scents, gaining delineation in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a nuanced opening. Hints of mango mix with light citric notes, a keen line of acidity and a lively, peppery finish. Excellent."
2023
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
2023-04-12
2023
Wine Advocate
Score
91+
Date
2022-12-30
2023
Wine and Spirits
Score
90
Date
2023-03-31
2022
James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2023-10-23
2022
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2023-11-02
"The 2022 White Old Vines comes from vines up to 70 years old, 75% Chenin Blanc with several other varieties. Aged almost a year in barrels andÿfoudres, the perfumed bouquet offers hazelnut, dried honey and yellow fruit aromas. The palate is waxy in texture, very well-balanced, and understated on the entry. Then, there is a wave of slightly honeyed pithy fruit that feels very voluminous and well-defined. Quite a multi-faceted Chenin blend, this will age beautifully in bottle."
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
92
Date
2023-12-29
"Opening to a slightly reductive nose, the 2022 Old Vine White offers aromas of citrus blossoms, turned earth and wax melon with yellow apples and Meyer lemon. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh, bright and succulent, with a kiss of phenolic bitterness before finishing with a long, spicy finish. It's incredibly food friendly and will continue to deliver pleasure for years. Nicely done!"
2021
Platter's
Score
95
Date
2022-11-18
2021
James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2022-11-08
2021
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2022-09-29
2021
Wine Spectator
Score
92
Date
2023-04-12
2021
Wine Advocate
Score
91+
Date
2022-12-30
2021
Wine and Spirits
Score
90
Date
2023-03-31
2020
Tim Atkin, MW
Score
95
Date
2022-07-08
2020
James Suckling
Score
92
Date
2022-01-25
2020
Wine Advocate
Score
91
Date
2022-06-09
2020
Vinous
Score
90+
Date
2021-12-01
2019
Tim Atkin, MW
Score
95
Date
2019
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2019
Wine Advocate
Score
90
Date
2022-06-09
2018
Wine Spectator
Score
91
Date