2021 Skaliekop Chenin Blanc

The 2021 Chenin Blanc Skaliekop comes from vines planted on shale soils in Paardeberg in 1985 and was picked over three times, each aged separately. This has an appealing bouquet with orange blossom, dried honey, chamomile and light spicy aromas - very complex. The palate is very well balanced with a lovely texture and fine acidity; the Skaliekop is a little softer and more caressing on the finish than the Rondevlei, stem ginger tingling on the aftertaste. Very fine.

Full bottle 1,362 g. These vines were planted in 1985 in very shallow shale soils in the Paardeberg, an anomaly as the mountain is mainly granite. 'These soils prove why our region is known for wheat farms as it remains a difficult soil for vineyards in a warm region, dryland farm context.' A small tractor road divides the Plat'bos and Skaliekop vineyards. Skaliekop was harvested mid/end February over three picking dates. The wines of the different pickings were aged separately, before blending and then bottling at the end of the year. This wine qualifies for the Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal and forms part of the Old Vine Project. RS 2.4 g/l. Edgy, 'tingly' sort of nose. Then some broad honeyed character on the palate. Real elegance with beautiful balance of pure fruit and fresh acidity. Really quite steely in its impact. Rather Riesling-like in structure. Need I say more…?! (JR)