Reyneke Biodynamic Chenin Blanc 2016
Editor Rating
- Rated 4.5 stars
- Outstanding
- Stellenbosch
- Reviewed by: Treve Ring
- Published on: September 22, 2017
- Last modified: September 22, 2017
Review Summary:
Biodynamic beauty. Reyneke was South Africa’s first certified biodynamic vineyard and winery, and all their wines are made without additives (yeasts, enzymes acidity or settling agents). Young RSA star winemaker John Reyneke's old vine (50+ years) Chenin Blanc on decomposed granite loans is harvested from a single vineyard in the Polkadraai Hills, just west of Stellenbosch. Whole-bunch pressed, this was fermented in both 300 L barrels (second fill) and a 2500 L foudré, and spent 10 months on the lees followed by a 2-month stint in stainless for tightening. Serious and savoury, this vibrates the length with a flinty mineral hum, with savoury meadow herbs, lemon thistle and quince lining the medium-plus palate. There's a gentle but streaming wild bergamot/Earl Grey tea that lingers on the finish. A striking Chenin.