2017 AVA Chenin Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 2017 AVA Chenin Blanc is Donovan’s first Chenin varietal, named after his daughter (nothing to do with California), It comes from a vineyard on schist soils that has no access to water, vines around 19 to 20 years old, and crops around 1 ton per hectare. This vintage took nine months to ferment. It has an extremely pure, well defined bouquet of mineral-rich yellow plum and white peach aromas, and just a hint of freshly sliced pear in the background. The palate is well balanced with a waxy texture, a fine bead of acidity, and stem ginger, curry leaf and white pepper on the long, vibrant finish. Superb.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
About the producer
Working with fruit from the Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Darling and Stellenbosch, Donovan Rall is one of South Africa’s top winemaking talents. He created his own label in 2008, while working alongside Eben Sadie, and now consults on various projects as well as making his exception Rall wines.