Tasting Notes
On first nosing this wine, I thought 'Burgundy meets Chenin'! A tinge of wood, toasty granola and honey, sweet hay, poached pears and ginger on the nose. The acid is lively, with great concentration and structure to the palate - a wisp of smoke, orchard blossom and fruits, vanilla spice and creamy, leesy notes. The texture coats the palate, with great tension, a moreish tangy note and stony finish with pronounced, incisive acidity. Both quite opulent and full-bodied, yet so sure of itself, so gloriously in balance, and perfectly polished.
More Info
Located on the Du Toitskloof Pass in Paarl, Brookdale estate is a relatively new name on the South African wine scene, having been purchased by Englishman Tim Rudd some five years ago. With some vines already on the property, Tim had an ambitious vision to make Brookdale one of the Cape's top quality focused wine labels, but before any wines could be made or new vines planted, they had to clear a whopping 67 hectares of alien vegetation and overgrowth. Mid-clearing, they happened upon a small neglected block of 1985-planted Chenin Blanc that had been thriving against the odds and that held exceptional potential. A chance encounter with the great winemaker Duncan Savage happened the very same year which led to Duncan making the first two vintages. Now at the helm is young winemaker and Cape Winemakers Guild Protegée, Kiara Scott. The 2019 is her first vintage, with Duncan still acting as consultant and mentor.