MULDERBOSCH MASTERY - GREAT GIFT FOR CHENIN FANS
With chenin blanc now firmly established as the cultivar that not only celebrates more than 350 years of Cape history and not only occupies more SA vineyard area than any other white varietal, but that produces top chenin blancs that are being recognised across the globe as the best on the planet. Confirmation of this can be seen in the rave reviews and points awarded to our chenin blancs from acknowledged experts – recently UK guru Tim Atkin MW awarded the trio of 2016 Mulderbosch Single Vineyard chenins scores of 96 (Block A), 95 (Block W) and 93 (Block S2) respectively in his 2017 Special Report on South African wines.
While the Swartland has happily claimed to be home to the finest chenin terroir, Stellenbosch has quietly been upping its chenin blanc production to prove that this pioneer region can – and does – produce exceptional chenin blancs. The Mulderbosch trio is a good example, each chenin offering a distinct expression of place, with Block A - sourced from the southern slopes of the Bottelary Hills - perhaps the friskiest, with exotic fruit aromas followed by dry but concentrated fruit on the palate.
Vineyard Block S2, whose grapes came from the northern slopes of the Bottelary Hills, is more complex, its golden hue offering hints of the power ahead. Dry and savoury, the nose of caramel is as rich as the flavours that follow, and there’s a saline hint in the mouthfeel and long finish. A connoisseur chenin to savour now or squirrel away for a future occasion.
Block W also presents a hue of deep gold and is probably the most complex chenin of the three. The vineyard that produced these grapes is sited in granite close to False Bay.
A wealth of fynbos and herby aromas leads to citrus and flint on the palate in a rich, powerful but well-balanced wine.
All the vines are more than 30 years old, and the fruits of all three were harvested in the same way, being whole- bunch pressed. Used 225litre French oak was chosen for fermentation and maturation.
These limited editions make wonderful festive gifts for Christmas and fine partners for New Year al fresco fare. They are also likely to produce yet more SA chenin fans who will sing the praises of our superb chenin blancs. The recommended retail price is R250 each.