Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023

Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2023 is a rich, complex, and beautifully structured white wine crafted from certified heritage old vines planted between 1983 and 1985 in the Tygerberg hills near Cape Town. Influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and Malmesbury shale soils, the grapes were hand-picked in multiple passes to capture a range of ripeness levels before undergoing barrel fermentation and aging for 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels (50% new). In the glass, it displays a pale lemon-gold color with vibrant aromas of ripe peach, pear, yellow plum, quince, and citrus rind interwoven with toasted oak, white coriander spice, and crushed stone minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet elegant, showcasing a dense core of orchard fruit, creamy butterscotch nuances, crisp natural acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with caramelised pork belly, roasted duck breast with fynbos honey, smoked mussels, creamy seafood pasta, butter-baked white fish, and aromatic vegetable korma.

92 Points- James Suckling