2021 Reyneke Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

In 1988, the Reyneke family bought the farm Uizichton the ridge of the Polkadraai Hills, with spectacular views of Stellenbosch. Straight away, Johan Reyneke began a long process of converting his vineyard from conventional farming to organic practices to biodynamic farming. He was indeed the very first one in South Africa to farm according to the biodynamic principles and receive the certification by Demeter International which is the largest and most widely acknowledged biodynamic accreditation body in the world. Johan is a smart man; he holds a postgraduate degree in environmental philosophy and is South Africa’s leading proponent of biodynamics. Why do we like it? His Chenin Blanc was not aged in oak, but in concrete eggs, which gives the wine a certain purity and presence in term of texture on the palate. Easy to say that this is one of the very best Chenin Blanc we tried from South Africa! Truly superb aromatic intensity, a voluminous nose of ripe apple, jasmine flower and wasabi, with a hint of marzipan. The palate has layers and the wine shows a beautiful poise and creamy finish. It’s pure, fresh, and pithy and we loved it!   Grape           Chenin Blanc Country        South Africa                               Region          Swartland                               Vintage         2021