Boutinot The Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc 2015
Editor Rating
- Rated 4 stars
- Excellent
- WO Piekenierskloof, Olifants River
- Reviewed by: Treve Ring
- Published on: September 15, 2017
- Last modified: September 15, 2017
Review Summary:
The Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc is from a high-altitude area (750 metres) in the far North Western Cape, Olifants River Region, Citrusdal Mountain District and in the ward of Piekenierskloof. It's here that one of RSA's star winemakers, Donovan Rall, is drawing the 70-year-old bush vines, a single plot “lost” in a fringe region far better known for cultivating Rooibos tea plants. From the stellar 2015 vintage, this was wild fermented and half aged in older wood barrels. Savoury crushed stones and bristling herb salts (rooibos?) on a creamy, lightly oily palate, possibly aided by the addition of 15 percent Grenache blanc this vintage. Pear and yellow apple fruits charm, while bright citrus acidity lifts. Well-made and well-priced, this is a wine well-worth adding to your Chenin kit.