2023 Olifantsberg Old Vine Chenin Blanc

Less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the South African wine region of Breedekloof, lies Olifantsberg Family Vineyards. This small, five-hectare estate has been owned by the Dutch Leeuwerik family since 2003. The Olifantsberg vineyards are located on the slopes of the Brandwacht Mountains. Thanks to the high altitude and the almost constant blowing wind, there is a cool microclimate. Ideal conditions for the production of top-quality grapes! The vineyard is worked with respect for nature. The vines are organically fertilized and the yield in the vineyard is deliberately kept low. All this with the aim of harvesting optimally ripe, healthy and concentrated grapes of high quality. After the manual harvest, these grapes are taken to the newly built vinification cellar. Here too, winemaker and vineyard expert Elizma Visser lets nature do its work. After crushing the grapes, a traditional skin maceration follows and the grapes are fermented. After this they are matured in oak barrels of which about a third is renewed annually. The wines of Olifantsberg are therefore perfectly balanced with nicely dosed oak in aroma and taste.

This white wine from Olifantsberg is a wonderfully pure 100% Chenin Blanc. This wine is made in collaboration with farmers who share the love for Chenin from the Breedekloof. Paul Leeuwerik went in search of farmers in the Breedekloof who have very old Chenin Blanc vines and after careful research, a number of old vineyards located on the slate-stone terroirs were selected with which the beautiful and above all very pure Chenin Blanc is produced. Natural fermentation was carried out in a combination of 2000L Foudres, used barrels in which the wine was allowed to mature Sur Lie (i.e. on its own lees) for a period of 9 months. From the 2021 vintage, Elizma Visser (the winemaker) only works with grapes from old vines, hence the addition of Old Vine in the title

The Chenin blanc Old Vine Vatgegis from Olifantsberg has a light yellow color with a hint of green. The Chenin Blanc has a wonderfully fresh nose of lime, grapefruit and mango. In the mouth, this white wine from Olifantsberg has a wonderfully juicy, fresh-dry taste of citrus fruit. The wine is medium-bodied and is ready to drink, but can also easily be cellared for a few more years and will become even more beautiful with some aging. In our opinion, one of the most beautiful Chenin blancs in the price range and incomparable to the mass-produced Chenins and as Platter says: " ageworthy"

The Great Hamersma: 9-/10
Chenin blanc with weight. You can expect that from a domain with such a name. Originating from old bush vines. Fermented on large wood (2000 liter foeders). Sur lie aged on French oak. Filling, filling, filling but without becoming heavy. Ripe apple, pear and sweet grapefruit. Honey splash on peach in cream, a caramel edge and fine chenin acids. Definitely not a gray mouse.

Perswijn: Chenin Blanc 2017, 16 points
Honey and peach, ripe apple, yellow plums | Structure, depth, elegant and juicy, nice acids, youthful.

Platter's: Chenin Blanc 2015, ****
Widely sourced fruit melds into subtle, supple whole. 2015 tropical notes gain earthy, spicy nuances from native ferment in large old oak. Elegantly understated, ageworthy.