Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
Bursting with aromas of fruit salad, vanilla, and lemon meringue, this wine draws you in with its richness and charm. Layers of white pineapple, dried apple, and a hint of chamomile add lovely depth. The palate is dry and full, with vibrant acidity balancing the ripe fruit. Subtle notes of almond biscotti, lemon curd, and a touch of white pepper bring extra complexity, leading to a creamy, lingering finish.
Vinification details
Grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks add balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine. The Steen is made up of three components: 70% is fermented and then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l French oak barrels. 30% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs. Bรขtonnage is done monthly for textural mouthfeel.
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Platter: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
A lovely complex nose of quince, pineapple, and cape gooseberry with pickled ginger, white blossoms and vanilla. The layered flavours continue onto the palate, rich and textured with subtle acidity, and a medium body. The intensity and richness of fruit on the palate make this a versatile pairing wine and indicate good aging potential.
Vinification details
Grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks add balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine. The Steen is made up of three components: 70% is fermented and then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l French oak barrels. 30% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs. Bรขtonnage is done monthly for textural mouthfeel.
AWARDS
DWWA: Gold
Platter: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
Complex aromas reveal themselves on the nose: candied lemon peel, pineapple, honeysuckle, beeswax, cream and shortbread. On the palate, lively acidity carries the fruit, with texture and layers of flavour expanding on the palate. A clean yet mouth-watering finish.
Vinification details
The grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks added great balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine. The Steen is then made up of separate components: 75% is fermented in French oak then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l barrels. 25% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs.
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Platter: 92 pts
Wine Spectator: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
Bold, fruity aromas of pineapple, lime cordial, and yellow peach mingle with notes of biscotti and nougat. Rich and textured on the palate with elderflower, peach and macadamia. The intensity of the fruit is balanced by well-integrated oak. The distinctive complexity of the Donkiesbaai Steen stems from the age of the bush vines, the majority of which are over 38 years old. These old vines consistently produce small crops of intensely flavoured and expressive fruit.
Vinification details
The grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks added great balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine. The Steen is then made up of three components: 75% is fermented in French oak then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l barrels. 25% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs.
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Platter: 92 pts
Wine Advocate: 90 pts
Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
Intense fruit aromas of apple and quince combine with honeysuckle and fresh pineapple on the nose. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated acidity that lifts rich flavours of lemon meringue, preserved peaches, papaya, and honeycomb. A creamy mid-palate with a coating mouthfeel, and a long fruity finish.
Vinification details
Grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks added great balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine. Steen is made up of 75% fermented in French oak then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l barrels, and 25% fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs.
AWARDS
DWWA: Silver
Platter: 94 pts
Technical Analysis
From the holiday home of the Engelbrecht family where crayfish and a cold glass of Steen (Chenin Blanc) is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.
Tasting note
Delicate floral aromas of honeysuckle develop into typical fruity notes of lemon, lime, and white peach. As the wine opens up, more complex aromas emerge, showing layered notes of peach cobbler, pancake, spice and quince. Subtle zesty acidity balances a medium bodied wine, with a creamy mouth-feel and complexity that follows from the nose. A serious wine with a lingering finish of orange zest.
Vinification details
Our Steen is made up of four components: 50% is fermented in French oak then matured in a combination of new and seasoned barrels. 30% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs. 10% is fermented spontaneously in clay Amphoras to retain freshness. 10% is retained in stainless steel tanks and blended in prior to bottling.
