Technical Analysis
From vines planted in 1966, Waterford's Chenin Blanc carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal of South Africa's Old Vine Project.
Tasting note
The wine boasts an inviting golden hue, offering aromas of golden delicious apples and white peach, harmoniously balanced by a mineral salinity. The mouthfeel is richly layered, featuring a refreshing and enduring acidity that finely textures the body. The lingering minerality adds complexity and intrigue to the overall experience. The use of concrete egg fermentation contributes to the finish’s complexity, allowing the wine to showcase the pure essence of Chenin blanc fruit.
Vintage conditions
The 2022 vintage was drier than what had been experienced in the last three years, and the warmer temperatures also contributed to further drying of the vines. This dryness resulted in significant concentration in the wines, as the grapes lost a considerable amount of moisture due to the heat. Additionally, the higher temperatures promoted ripeness and contributed to the structure that will be evident in the wines.
Vinification details
The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested, and the bunches are gently pressed in our cellar. The resulting clear juice is then carefully transferred to concrete egg-shaped vessels for fermentation. Additionally, a small percentage undergoes fermentation in neutral barrels. After 4 months, the individual batches are evaluated and blended together and further aged for 5 months.
AWARDS
Platter: 91 pts
Tasting Video
Technical Analysis
From vines planted in 1966, Waterford's Chenin Blanc carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal of South Africa's Old Vine Project.
Tasting note
The colour has a lovely soft yellow/green hue. The main aromas are white pear and pithy grapefruit, followed by elements of peach pip, light honeycomb and soft floral notes. The mouth-feel is layered and smooth but holds a tremendous amount of mineral flavour and depth. The concrete egg fermentation drives purity and minerality which creates a lovely fresh and soft “sweet fruit” finish, on the palate.
Vintage conditions
Good winter rains but still below the long term average. The region experienced a few odd warm days during winter as well as snowfall during late winter/early Spring. The rain helped with the increase of dam levels. These conditions also prepped for good, even budding to start the growing season. During ripening, an odd heat wave was experienced. Overall lovely warm days and cooler nights allowed for perfect ripening and earlier picking dates. This resulting in lovely fresh flavoured and rich wines with relatively low alcohol levels.
Vinification details
The wine is fermented and aged in concrete eggs.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 93 pts
Tasting Video
Technical Analysis
From vines planted in 1966, Waterford's Chenin Blanc carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal of South Africa's Old Vine Project.
Tasting note
The colour is a lovely soft yellow, with aroma’s of white pear and pithy grapefruit, followed by elements of peach pip, honey comb and soft floral notes. The mouthfeel is delicate and smooth but holds a tremendous amount of mineral flavour and depth. A lot of stone fruit and minerality to be found on the palate, with the finish being lovely fresh and almost “sweet fruit” sensation.
Vintage conditions
Drought is still playing a huge part on the vintage, with a dry and warm winter hindering the dormancy period which is vital for even growth and survival, Chardonnay being most affected resulting in only a 50% yield this vintage. Across the board the winery experienced an average of 30% drop in yield. Berries at harvest time were tiny and highly concentrated in flavour, and due to relatively cool and dry summer weather, the wines also ended up with low alcohols and softer acidities.
Vinification details
To best preserve purity of fruit, berry bunches are hand-harvested in the early morning and whole bunch pressed directly to concrete eggs for natural fermentation and maturation. The concrete eggs are neutral in flavour and allow the wine to remain vibrant and to express itself fully.
Technical Analysis
From vines planted in 1966, Waterford's Chenin Blanc carries the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal of South Africa's Old Vine Project.
Tasting note
2018 is the maiden vintage of this wine. Showing wonderful purity and elegance with flavours of peach, oral honey and pithy stone fruit. The very well-textured palate displays fruit complexity and creaminess.
Vintage conditions
2018 was another tough vintage for South African wineries as severe drought conditions continued. Early ripening varietals were more affected as they are harvested in the middle of summer, with later ones being hardier during this period. Whites have surprised with good freshness and the reds show great promise with lower alcohols.
Vinification details
To best preserve purity of fruit, berry bunches are hand-harvested in the early morning and whole bunch pressed directly to concrete eggs for natural fermentation and maturation. The concrete eggs are neutral in flavour and allow the wine to remain vibrant and to express itself fully.
