Tasting Notes
Pineapple chunks, fresh green herbs (in particular tarragon) and juicy lime on the nose, with a gentle orange note, like the oils spritzed onto the edge of the glass from a delicate twist of peel. Starfruit too, and little physalis too. Just gorgeous and really persistent in its length, with a lemon drizzle finish and hint of white pepper. Why is this wine so special? Why does it win so much rapturous admiration? Because it surprises people with its quality. You just don't expect to find an organic, old-vine Swartland chenin (yields as low as 4 tons/hectare - about the same as much premier and grand cru Burgundy), with this much character, texture and interest, at this price level.
More Info
We firmly believe that Adi Badenhorst is the most exciting winemaker in South Africa. He is also the most frustrating. His laid back, self-deprecating, playful manner keeps you guessing and makes you wonder whether he has any idea what he is actually doing, whether he just chucks some grapes into a vat and hopes for the best, but we know full well that there is a huge amount of expertise that goes on behind closed doors, when no one is around to witness his skill and diligence ...and spoil his reputation!