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91POINTS
16¾/20
Natte Valleij Axle Chenin Blanc 2025
Darling, Coastal Region, South AfricaMy first bottled 2025 wine tasted! Cinsault-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. Perfumed pear, quince, white grapefruit roll along a lees-decked palate, with crushed river stones to base, and tangerine pith to tighten. Smart now, and with time ahead.Tasted: 18 January 2026Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Grape: Chenin BlancCSPC: 218969UPC: 626990391777
