Chris & Andrea Mullineaux, “Kloof St” Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Swartland South Africa
From Michael Skurnik:
The Kloof Street Chenin Blanc comes from three sustainably farmed vineyard parcels in different parts of the Swartland: One parcel of 35 year old Chenin planted in the stony Shale and Schist based soils of Kasteelberg, and two parcels of 40+ year-old dry land, bush vine Chenin grown in the decomposed Granite soils of the Paardeberg. After pressing, the juice is racked to tank (85%) and older French oak barrels (15%) for fermentation. Fermentation is with indigenous yeasts and lasts up to 6 weeks.
Pale straw in color, this wine has a nose of sun ripened pears and wet granite. The palate has a vibrant acidity, balanced by a soft, round texture and some pithy character, with a fresh mineral finish.