Chenin & Pinotage
Timed Online Auction, 4 - 11 September 2023
Chenin & Pinotage
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Spioenkop was established in 1998 and is located on a hill in Elgin deemed similar to the one in KwaZulu Natal where the battle of Spioenkop was fought during the Anglo Boer, with the 1900 range named after the year the battle took place. The estate is co-owned by Belgian former Sommelier and ex engineer, Koen Roose, fulfilling the roles of Viticulturist, Winemaker and General Manager. Known to do things differently, Koen is championing unique viticultural practices and varietals in Elgin. Koen traditionally exports most of his wines to his native Belgium. Spioenkop's recent Chenin Blanc’s have been world class.
Pale lemon straw colour with a clean nose of fruit and blossoms. We smell lilac and tulip flowers, citrus fruit zest, elderberry, quince, ripe fig, nuttiness and spices. On the palate there is the layered complexity of some nuttiness from the barrel maturation with bruised apple, peach and nuances of freshly cut mushrooms. Pickling spices and white citrus blossoms come through with a fine minerality. Beautifully balanced acidity and intense core. Like Sarah Raal ’17, this is a fresh, crisp and elegant wine, with tremendous depth. - Winery notes
Provenance
Restaurant Mosaic
Critics Ratings
‘Johanna Brandt was a leader of the “pettitcoat commando” during the Boer War, emphasising Spioenkop’s links with the conflict. Sourced from shale soils, it sees 30% new oak and has plenty of concentration, with apple and quince fruit, some baking spices and thrilling minerality. 2018-24’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 94/100
‘Of the fine pair of 2016 chenins, this off shale soil & more noticeably oaked: 30% new, broadening the palate, bringing out the earthy element & making for less obviously pure fruit. More acidic too, & more powerful & perhaps more potentially expressive.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)
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