2024 AVA Chenin Blanc
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Tasting notes
The Rall 2024 Swartland Chenin Blanc Ava reflects a shift in harvest timing to achieve a tighter and more focused profile. Oxidation is remarkably stable in this vintage, giving the wine a restrained and controlled expression that will require time to evolve. Gorgeous yet currently reserved, it promises depth beneath its quiet exterior. The decomposed granite soils of Swartland often yield Chenin Blancs with both breadth and structure, yet in this case, the wine is deliberately held back, emphasizing tension over immediate generosity. The Noa is more showy at this stage, but Ava needs more bottle time to fully realize its beautiful potential.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2024 Chenin Ava is naturally fermented and aged in 400-litre older French oak. This has a delectable bouquet with lanolin, walnut and light dried honey aromas that blossom in the glass. Fine delineation. The palate is very well balanced with ample weight, gorgeous waxy texture, with an assiduous dash of spice on the finish. It displays just the right amount of tension and sapidity to have you going back for more.
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.