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Raats Family Wines Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2013
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaOld vertical hedge and bush vine chenin blanc (averaging 45 years) from three vineyards in Stellenbosch go into this savoury, herbal white. The decomposed dolomite granite and table mountain sandstone astutely increase the earthy, mineral background of this concentrated wine; this is not about fruit. That said, honeyed pear, green fig and ripe quince are in the shadows, a supporting role to the broken stone, earthy lees, salts and medicinal-tinged wild herbs dominating this complex and arresting white. Thirty percent of this wine was fermented and aged in 300 L French oak barrels, while the remainder spent time in stainless to hold onto crisp fruit. After nine months, the two were united and held on the lees for an additional two months before bottling. Restrained, though powerful, this is drinking very well now but will certainly age for five+ years in your cellar. A leading, natural-leaning, terroir-seeking family of passionate wine folks in Stellenbosch.Tasted: 28 October 2016Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 775510UPC: 6009800497045
