2022 Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc

'The 1947' Chenin Blanc

In 1947 the Steytler family planted a vineyard on Kaapzicht, their newly acquired farm in Stellenbosch: six hectares of Chenin Blanc. For three generations the vines matured, unirrigated, their roots diving deep into the granite soil of the Bottelary Hills. In 2009, with many of the vines dead or dying, the decision was made to uproot the increasingly unproductive vineyard, a process which had already begun when the site was recognised as being the second oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard in South Africa. Only about 1 hectare remained.

Danie Steytler Jnr, the fourth generation, returned to the family estate that same year. Danie had made his first barrel of wine at the age of 12; after graduating from Stellenbosch University he worked for 5 years in wineries across the world, from Stag's Leap in Napa to Château de Negly in Languedoc. He saw the potential in the vines his great-grandfather had planted. After a few years in which he very generously allowed his winemaker friends to use the fruit of this vineyard, in 2013 he made the first estate bottling of The 1947 Chenin Blanc.

Danie's winemaking has evolved over the years but the style is still unapologetically generous and powerful. The wine is fermented 50/50 in amphorae and oak, with 10 months further ageing in 500l oak barrels (10% new) balancing the distinctive mineral intensity of the vineyard. The result is broad and appealing, yet potent and full of energy, with excellent potential for ageing in the bottle. /JH

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available imminently. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998