Patina, Chenin Blanc 2017

The nose is fresh and inviting, showing melon, peach and yellow apple with delicate whiffs of lemon curd, dill and vanilla pod. Flavours of quince, kumquat, preserved lemon and nectarine dominate an exceptionally smooth palate with subtle hints of nettles and coriander seed. The midpalate is full, round and minerally, with a vibrant acidity to balance and gentle nuances of ginger and spice adding further complexity. Notes of fenugreek, lime and angelica blossom linger on the finish.

Grapes for our Patina Chenin Blanc are from a single site at our Goldmine Estate, grown on schist and decomposed dolomitic granite. Chenin has a particular affinity for the warm, Mediterranean terroir along the Riebeeks River, at the foothills of the Kasteelberg, in the Swartland district. The ongoing drought certainly played its role in the 2018 vintage, resulting in smaller berries, lower yields and concentrated fruit. Cooler night temperatures, without prolonged heat waves during the day, created an excellent diurnal range and favourable ripening conditions. The grapes were harvested with optimal natural analyses, reflecting the even ripening. Half of the grapes fermented spontaneously in concrete eggs, while the other half were skin-fermented for two weeks. Both components were matured in French barrique for 14 months.

• Alcohol: 13.34% vol
• RS: 3.75 g/l
• TA: 5.17 g/l
• pH: 3.4
• W.O. Swartland