(2026) Ken's multi-vintage 'solera' blend of Chenin's from the ancient vines of Piekenierskloof is always a fabulous wine and edition #5 is no exception. Raised in old, 400-litre French oak barrels, it's a blend of wines from 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Delicious barrel character that is oatmeally, rich, the nose showing glacé fruits and a hint of mint. So delicious with bright, biting green apple, more spice and a long, shimmering finish. A cracking wine that you can confidently age for a decade.
(2026) From a 1959 vineyard of bush vines in Piekenierskloof where Chenin and Palomino are co-planted on sand. Fabulously sour orange and grapefruit presence here, a green streak that adds a vivacious brightness and yet gentle, creamy talcum powder leesiness and earthiness too. A fascinating wine. Price and stockist quoted is for the previous vintage at time of review.
(2021) Recent attention on high-end 'natural' renditions of Chenin Blanc has all been about the trending young bucks of Swartland, but here, one the Cape's most established Chenin experts proves that they can play along with the best. This is a fabulous wine, fermented with wild yeasts, unfiltered and unfined, it has a golden colour and beautifully honeyed yet stony nose, some gentle toast and apricot. On the palate there's a fat, confit lemon waxiness, loads of sweet, ripe apple and a lovely mouth-filling texture. Acidity is perfectly balanced in a rich, concentrated yet supremely elegant wine.
(2021) From the Roibos tea growing area of Piekenierskloof, around 400 metres above sea level and 300 kilometres north of Stellenbosch. Pure sand soils, this is from dry-farmed old bush vines. A particularly fragrant wine, lots of exotic spices and ripe red berries and cherries. A very charming wine this, the palate too, medium-bodied and sweet-fruited, but those garrigue (or fynbos) notes, dried herbs and a solid background of creamy, dark oak etched by grainy tannins.
