2024 Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc

This is a magnificent wine. The Kaapzicht 2024 Bottelary Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc The 1947 is drawn from just four barrels sourced from 77-year-old bush vines. It presents a lovely mineral overlay of crushed granite framing apple, melon and preserved lemon. The bouquet is bright and pure, while the palate is textured and glossy, giving this medium- to full-bodied white the weight and presence to pair confidently with richer dishes. Aged for 10 months in a combination of new and second-fill French oak and amphorae, the wine reflects the Bottelary’s decomposed granite soils, which contribute both depth and a finely etched mineral spine. This limited release of 4,000 heavy glass bottles is closed with a wax capsule. 95 points

The 2024 Chenin Blanc The 1947 comes from vines born in the titular year—the second oldest plantings in South Africa—whole bunch pressed and fermented in amphora, French and Hungarian oak barrels. This takes its time to open in the glass, eventually revealing quite beguiling scents of yellow fruit, wild peach, honeysuckle and persimmon aromas. Wonderful delineation. The palate delivers the umami sensation, the tactile properties that you expect from old bush vine Chenin. Superb weight, real complexity; this fans out on the finish with real chutzpah. What a wonderful Chenin from winemaker Dannie Steytler. Just four barrels produced. 94 points