Cape Heritage and The Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 12 August 2024
Cape Heritage - White Wines
About the SessionThe Cape Heritage White Wine Session features the noble variety, Chenin Blanc, known for its versatility and fruit intensity. South Africa has the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world and produces long-aging, diverse and fine wines.
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About this Item
Eben Sadie is South Africa’s most revered winemaker and he arguably kick-started the local fine wine revolution. Over two decades his pursuit for quality in the Swartland has been unparalleled in South Africa and he was voted Winemaker of the Year in 2017 by the International Master of Wine Institute. Eben’s wines were influenced by the Rhône and Spain, with traditional local varieties sourced from pockets of old bush vines and unique terroirs. Long-ageing Columella is often regarded as South Africa’s best red, while Palladius similarly offers an incredible Swartland expression and decades of longevity. The old vine single vineyard series, which was first released in the 2009 vintage, is now firmly the most sought-after release of the year. Mev Kirsten is South Africa’s rarest white wine, produced from a century old Stellenbosch vineyard, while the now legendary Skurfberg received 100 points from Tim Atkin in 2020.
The Mev Kirsten heralds from a vineyard at the base of Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch. Generally recognized as the oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard in SA, having been established between 1905 and 1920, there were only a miniscule 82 cases made.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Chenin from partly-100+ year old block in Stellenbosch, vinified differently to white siblings, initial carbonic maceration to protect oxidation-prone juice. 2017 less savoury & mineral than Skurfberg, opulent without cosmetic of oak or big alcohol; as always, precision personified.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (94/100)
'This has a rich and rounded feel, with a mix of melon, pear and fig fruit flavors gliding along, augmented by pretty white ginger, honeysuckle and acacia notes on the finish. Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2022.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (May 2019)
'It’s not much to look at to be honest, but the Mrs (Mev) Kirsten vineyard in Stellenbosch is the oldest Chenin block in the country and produces a wine of corresponding intensity and complexity. Marrying power with focus and acidity, this is a remarkable white that’s long, refreshing and beautifully defined with less wood than in the past, and more terroir. “The best I’ve made,” says Eben Sadie. I agree. 2020-29' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 97/100
'From a vineyard in Stellenbosch planted between 1905 and 1920. A billowing nose of potpourri, citrus, stone fruit, earth, ginger and other spice plus a hint of leesy complexity. The palate is super-rich but equally super-fresh, thick-textured yet simultaneously vibrant and so very complex. Utterly compelling.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 (Nov 2018)
'The 2017 Mev. Kirsten is pure Chenin Blanc from the oldest Chenin Blanc in South Africa, planted in 1905. It has a very intense bouquet of yellow stone fruit, chamomile and touches of orange blossom. The harmonious, beautifully defined palate offers perfect acidity and flavors of orange peel, ginger, fynbos, white peach and, again, a hint of chamomile that lingers beautifully in the mouth. This is another stunning white from Eben Sadie, one of the best wines he’s ever made - and he’s made a lot.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Aug 2018)
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