Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc

From the hills of Tygerberg outside Cape Town, this vineyard is planted to 35 year old vines that are dry farmed and grown on Malmesbury shale, 15km from the ocean. A highly lauded chenin, it is both barrel fermented and barrel matured, offering a richer version of chenin replete with tangy dried apricot cut with a citrus underside, and a nutty, vanilla, baked peach finish. A luscious version of chenin that will have its fans. The 21 Gables wines pay homage to a winemaking history now over 300 years old and the 21 gables preserved on various buildings around the estate.

Tasting Notes: Pale lemon gold at a glance, this is a gloriously fresh and pure style of Chenin Blanc. Upfront ripe, juicy peach and pear fruit aromas are balanced with notes of dried apricot and a lick of oak spice. The palate is youthful but wonderfully luscious, refreshed by mouth-watering acidity and a lingering fruit core finish that provides complexity and texture.

Delicious with crisp, caramelised pork belly, duck breast with fynbos honey and spices, or smoked West Coast mussels. For a lighter pairing, enjoy with a flavourful vegetable Korma curry.

92 Points – Tim Atkin