The Chenin Blanc from biodynamci producer Reyneke Wines in Stellenbosch has always been top notch but In 2016, Stellenbosch grower Johan Reyneke and winemaker Rudiger Gretschel made two versions of the variety, the standard label as in previous years and a so-called natural wine which saw no sulphur dioxide at bottling. In the past, a single 5ha vineyard planted in the 1960s has supplied grapes for the property’s Chenin but in 2016, the crop was a tiny 1.7 tons and most of this went to the natural wine.
Review:
93 points, Tim Atkin South MW African Report 2017
“The crop was tiny from this five-hectare block in 2016, so some non-organic fruit from a neighbouring site was blended in. No matter: the result is a leesy, tangy, spicy Chenin with bramley apple and fresh pear fruit and a backbone of crunchy acidity. 2017-22”