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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanctext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017

Coastal Region, South AfricaChenin was sourced from Agter-Paarl, Durbanville and Bottelary Hills for this tribute series wine, named for the winery's founder, Bernard. From various Coastal, granitic-soiled, old bush vines (averaging 45 years) this is already destined to be low yielding and ripe fruited. Whole bunch pressed, this spent one year in French wood (half new) with regular batônnage. Creamy and powerful, but with a freshness and elegance brought by the very good 2017 vintage, this is based on a thick cloud of herbal lees, with perfumed lemon, ripe pear, honeysuckle, and scents of scrubby fynbos. The wood is evident through a constant spiced presence that doesn't overwhelm the heady fruit. Enjoy this full-bodied white all winter long, with richer squash or creamy dishes.Tasted: 29 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC$23.99750mlBCLS
Producer: Bellingham - DGBDistributors: Andrew Peller Import Agency
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 897710UPC: 6001506904674