Stats
- Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
- Vineyard: Geluksoord Vineyard
- Vine Age: About 40-years-old
- Soil Type: Decomposed granite
- Viticulture: Sustainable - dry-farmed
- Fermentation: Native — used oak barrels
- Skin Contact: None
- Aging: 10 months in used oak barrels
- Alcohol: 13%
- pH: 3.5
- Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
- Total SO2: 39 ppm
- Total Production: 83 cases
Tasting Notes
Honeysuckle, quince, yellow peach, and citrus waft from the glass. While the mid palate is textured and rounded, the wine still has great restraint. A rich, savory note drives to a lengthy finish.
Press & Reviews
The WineMag
95
"Grapes from an untrellised vineyard in the general Bottelary area. Fermented and matured for 10 months in older 500-litre barrels. Quince, soft citrus and stone fruit on the nose. The palate shows great fruit depth and tangy acidity, while the finish is savoury, even slightly bitter. With layers of flavour and a nicely pithy texture, this is most accomplished."
- Christian Eedes
- Christian Eedes
Tim Atkin, MW
93
"Banele Vakele buys his Chenin Blanc from top grower Gawie du Bois in Stellenbosch, naturally fermenting the result in older 500-litre barrels. Leesy, savoury and mineral, this is all about texture rather than simple fruit, with kelp, lemongrass and yellow apple flavours and a pithy, refreshing finish."
- Tim Atkin, MW
- Tim Atkin, MW
Vinous
92
"The 2023 Chenin Blanc comes from a south-facing, wind-exposed parcel in Stellenbosch (a different block than the 2022 vintage), raised on the lees for ten months in 500-liter oak, with SO2 added as late as possible. It has a captivating bouquet of lemon curd, white chocolate, wet wool and orange pith, with touches of beeswax emerging with time. The palate is well balanced and poised with fine delineation and a lovely texture, lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper on the persistent finish. Excellent."
- Neal Martin
- Neal Martin