Chenin Blanc 'GRANITE - Old Vines'

Score

95

"This has a lovely nose of peaches, lime peel, apples, hazelnuts and crushed stones. It's full-bodied yet very fresh and mineral with a limey, stony brightness. Long and delicious. Drink or hold."

Score

95

"The Mullineux 2023 Swartland Granite Chenin Blanc comes from one of three sites dedicated to this grape. Each is about 400 meters in elevation, and all three have bush vines that are harvested at the same ripeness. The major difference lies in the soils, with this vineyard on granite, sandy soils that allow the roots to reach down deep (as much as five meters underground). These vines have a bigger canopy as a result, and the fruit maintains the most natural acidity (and low pH). This wine is characterized by bright fruit flavors and a linear delivery with a salty, mineral-laced finish. It was the first of the three Chenin Blancs poured by Andrea Mullineux during our tasting."

Score

93

"Sourced from the from the Eikelaan vineyard, the 2023 Chenin Blanc Granite comes 47-year-old vines on granitic, well-drained soils where the vines have bigger roots and canopies, thus providing more shade. It presents a well-defined bouquet that opens over five minutes, revealing hints of yellow plum, Mirabelle and wax resin. The palate is very nicely balanced and very complex, with an oily-textured opening. A touch of white pepper and orange rind emerges toward the finish. It's the texture that really makes this a superb Granite Chenin Blanc."

Score

91

"Wild lemony edges brighten up the toasty core of this chenin. From a high-elevation site on the Paardeberg, it spent 11 months in fourth-fill French oak and its shape lasts, though the leesy flavors outlast the fruit. For bass filets and fish fumet."

Score

94

Score

94

"Starting with a rocky essence and firm mineral core, the 2022 Granite Chenin Blanc delivers notes of yellow and green apples with dusty pears before fresh-cut Meyer lemon and citrus blossom aromas waft from the glass. The Chenin Blanc is medium to full-bodied with a delightful mineral tension that will remain food friendly for 20 years, maybe longer. It's a lovely wine that's quite cerebral and keeps me thinking. Gliding to a fresh, mineral-laced finish, this gorgeous Chenin Blanc will remain fit to fight for any occasion and comes with a wide array of food and wine pairing applications. Nicely done!"

Score

91

"The 2022 Chenin Blanc Granite comes from a single parcel (Eikeliaan) aged in older oak barrels. The reserved nose demands coaxing, bringing subtle pressed yellow flowers and lanolin. The palate is taut and linear on the entry, not a powerful Chenin but very nuanced with touches of nectarine and orange pith towards the finish, just a light tang of marmalade on the aftertaste. Savor this over the next 6-7 years."

Score

95

Score

93

Score

92

Score

91

Score

95

Score

93

Score

92

Score

93

Score

91