Accolades
2023 Tim Atkin MW - 92 points
Tasting Notes
This wine displays a medium light straw hue in the glass with a green tinge and is made in a ripe tropical style with a split personality being elegant on the one hand but serious and bold on the other. Tropical flavours of ripe yellow peaches, white pear, a touch of vanilla blossoms, toast, butterscotch, orange skin and pineapple meet you on the nose. This wine shows many layers as the Chenin Blanc opens up. Good structure and ripe fruit are well complemented by the wood and can definitely mature for another 10 years.
Ageing Potential
This wine shows many layers as the Chenin Blanc opens up. Good structure and ripe fruit are well complemented by the wood and can definitely mature for another 10 years.
Food Suggestions
Will pair excellently with spicy dishes such as Cape Malay curry or creamy dishes like seafood risotto.
Suitable for vegans.
In The Vineyard
Terroir: Made from two vineyards, one on deep Hutton soils with koffieklip, the other from well drained weathered granite soil
Vineyard type: 40 years old Bush Vines, no irrigation
About The Harvest
Yield: 4 t/ha
Balling at Harvest: 23- 24°B
In The Cellar
Destalk and crush into small static separators. Skin contact for 12 hours, only free run juice used. 21 days fermentation at 15 ̊C.
Barrel maturation in 100% French Oak (1st fill, 2nd and 3rd) for 9 months. Only the best barrels were selected for the blend.
Additional Information
Darling Cellars Old Bush Vine comes from specific old bush vines which are selected for their uniqueness in prominent terroir flavours. These vineyards are planted in the best terroir for the specific varietal. Vineyards are carefully monitored by the winemaker who ultimately decides when the grapes will be harvested. These grapes are handled separately in the cellar to preserve their natural quality and uniqueness. Passion and Respect for these old vines, have led to these beautiful and special wines.
Darling Cellars OLD BUSH VINES Range is a dedicated concept from site selection, through to the final drop in the glass at the end of the bottle.