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91POINTS
16¾/20
Natte Valleij Axle Chenin Blanc 2024
Darling, Coastal Region, South AfricaCinsault-centric Alex Milner crafted this white for his Chenin-loving wife, sourcing fruit from 1985 planted dry farmed bush vines in Darling's decomposed granites. The vineyard was picked twice, 1 week apart, and each lot was partial basket press / partial destemmed with 5 hours skin contact. Each part went into to older 225L barrels for native ferment save for the final destemmed portion, which continues on in foudre. It remained in the barrels post-ferment with regular bâtonnage for a couple of months, and then a quiet rest until the following spring, totalling 9 months in all. From the lower-yielding 2024 vintage, the concentration here is a step up from 2023, with ripe pear, white peach, grilled quince, toasted cashew, and downy lees swirling on the textural palate. A fine line of lemony acidity draws this old vine chenin through the stony finish. Drinking well now, ideally with fuller bodied dishes to match.Tasted: 22 September 2025Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 218969UPC: 626990391777
