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Craven

2022

‘Karibib Vineyard’

Chenin Blanc   |   Stellenbosch - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Chenin Blanc is a variety that Mick has always wanted to work with but was waiting for the right vineyard to land in his lap. Toward the end of 2015, Mick came across the perfect site in the Polkadraai Hills, called the Karibib Vineyard. Jozua Joubert planted the vineyard in 1981 on an east-facing block and has been working with the Cravens to bring it back to a more ‘natural’ state. Initially trained on a single wire, it has been ‘let go’ over time and now grows more like a bush vine. Mick refers to it as a “faux bush vine” vineyard. The vineyard sits in a unique pocket that is characterized by hilly topography and subsequently varying elevations, providing sites on elevations from 200 to 1,300 feet above sea level. Aside from the differences in elevation, the layered soils vary from granite-based on the higher elevations to the lighter, more sandy soils in lower lying areas.

The 2022 vintage marks a shift in the fermentation vessel for this wine. Whereas previous vintages of this wine used to be fermented in neutral oak, this vintage saw whole-bunch pressing to concrete “squares.” The juice was left to ferment naturally with full solids. It completed malolactic fermentation and it was then left on the lees for approximately four months before a single racking. In total it spent nine months in concrete before bottling. The wine is bottled unfined and sees just a light sheet filtration and a dash of sulfur before bottling.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Karibib Vineyard - Polkadraai hills
  • Vine Age: 41-years-old
  • Soil Type: Weathered granite
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – concrete (100% whole-bunch pressed)
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 9 months in concrete
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • pH: 3.3
  • Total Acidity: 6.0 g/L
  • Total SO2: 45 ppm
  • Total Production: 333 cases
  • UPC: 6009803564461

Tasting Note

Thanks to the new tactic of fermenting and aging in concrete vessels, the ’22 has very pure stone fruit flavors. Peach and apricot are evoked on the nose and carry seamlessly into the palate layered with honeysuckle and beeswax. The focus and texture of this wine are extraordinary. With measured acidity and a driven finish, it’s yet another great work of art by the Cravens.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

92

"Grapes from a 1981 vineyard on the Polkadraai Hills farm Karibib managed by Jozua Joubert. A change in winemaking vessel for this wine – it is now fermented and matured in concrete whereas juice previously went into old oak. Top notes of honeysuckle and hay before yellow peach on the nose. The palate shows succulent fruit and moderate acidity with some light grip to the finish. Has a pleasing honesty about it. Alcohol: 13%."

- Christian Eedes

Vinous

92

"The 2022 Chenin Blanc Karabib comes from 40-year-old vines, is whole bunch pressed, and went straight into concrete for the first time. Opening nicely with aeration, this taut bouquet has mandarin and touches of wet wool, lanolin and melted wax. The palate is well-balanced with a fine acidity, firm and fresh with a saline and stem ginger-tinged finish. This is a very stylish Chenin Blanc that will age beautifully in bottle."

- Neal Martin
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Producer


Craven

Region


Stellenbosch

Country


South Africa

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