Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2015
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe Bernard Series has always re-paid patience and ageing so as good as it is today it is only beginning its journey. Winemaker Niël Groenewald uses low-yielding bush vines averaging 45 years in age from three weathered granite vineyards (Coastal Region’s Agter-Paarl, Durbanville and Bottelary Hills) for what is a rich, full-bodied white. Whole bunch pressed, it spends 12 months in French oak (50 percent new) with extended lees contact and regular batônnage. Toasted popcorn leads an expressive nose of ripe pear, perfumed blossom, peach, honeysuckle, cream, and a swirl of savoury, gingery spices. Concentrated, confident, polished and elegant this white is freshened with chenin's hallmark steak of acidity, cutting through the density of new wood. Drinking well now but will repay five years in the bottle. Super effort here.Tasted: 29 May 2017Tasted by: Prices:
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2015
Coastal Region, South AfricaThough this wine has been on our market for a while, this is a brand new vintage, and the one that was just named among the top ten Chenin Blancs judged in South Africa's annual Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Challenge. Winemaker Niël Groenewald uses low-yielding bush vines averaging 45 years in age from three weathered granite vineyards (Coastal Region’s Agter-Paarl, Durbanville and Bottelary Hills). Whole bunch pressed, this spends 12 months in French oak (50 percent new) with extended lees contact and regular batonnage. Richer and polished, with ample pear and white peach, a light honeysuckle cream perfume, and a swirl of savoury spices, hay, and stone texturing a round and creamy palate. Concentrated, confident, and wood-evident, but freshened with chenin's hallmark cue of acidity. Drinking well now but will impress more with some time in the bottle.Tasted: 28 October 2016Tasted by: Prices:
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