Höe-Steen Chenin Blanc 2019

The Hoë-Steen vineyard was planted in 1968 west of Malmesbury towards Darling, in deep, red iron and clay rich soils. Most probably the deepest soils we work with in the Swartland. This block is a late ripener due to south facing slopes. This vineyard was planted on a “massale” selection method and grafted in the vineyard onto the root stocks a year after the root stocks were planted. A few Cape Riesling (Crouchen blanc), False Pedro, Palomino, Sémillon and Clairette blanche vines have been discovered since then. The vineyard remains predominantly Steen for us and we see it as part of the Cape’s old vineyard history which we are privileged to be working with. Right at the end of the harvest, this 2 ha vineyard was harvested over three pickings. It was hand sorted, whole bunch pressed and matured in old French oak barrels for a year. The wine has a Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal and forms part of the Old Vine Project (OVP).

“Striking aromatics of flowers, naartjie and stone fruit plus some leesy complexity and spice. The palate is rich and relatively thick textured – great depth of flavour with a gently savoury finish” 95/100 Winemag.co.za

Planted in 1968 with a massale selection of grapes with at least two clones of Chenin Blanc. A south facing vineyard with little terraces, the soils are clay rich with lots of coffee klip. Aromatics are very dusty, spicy and gravelly with perhaps hints of the other aromatic varieties like False Pedro, Semillon, Palomino and Crouchen Blanc interplanted shining through. Fabulously spicy and saline with dried herbs, pear purée, apple pastille and crunchy pineapple. Incredible Grand Cru palate weight and breadth, coating concentration and length without ever losing poise and finesse. Wow, what a wine. The ultimate Grand Cru Chenin!  Wine Safari Score: 96+/100 Greg Sherwood MW

Total production: 2 521 bottles

pH: 3.38
RS: 2.3 g/L
Alcohol: 13.0%
TA: 5.2 g/L
Yield: 3.4 t/ha
TSO2: 91 mg/L