Riebeeksrivier Chenin Blanc

Please note: Award stickers are applied at the producer's discretion and may not be present on all bottles.

The grapes were handpicked and refrigerated before whole bunch pressing and destemming the following day. After overnight settling, 65% of the free run juice was transferred to stainless steel tanks, 32% to 500L French oak puncheons and 3% to cement eggs where spontaneous fermentation occurred. The new oak component amounts to 5% of the total volume.

The farm is located on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, with views of the Swartland and the iconic Table Mountain. Its distinct terroir, particularly the Rhône-like shale soils, is powerfully expressed in the fruit, producing wines of exceptional character. Two bush vine vineyards planted in 1988 and 2013 on south-facing hillsides at elevations ranging from 350 to 400 meters above sea level produce fruit with exceptional intensity and flavour, balanced by bright acidity and length. The 2026 harvest was one of the earliest on record, delivering a larger than expected crop with very good to excellent quality potential. Favourable weather conditions and healthy vineyards ensured good fruit set and balanced ripening throughout the season. Berry sizes were slightly smaller than average in certain blocks, which contributed to greater flavour concentration in the final wine. Grapes were picked at optimal ripeness, with slightly lower acidity levels than previous vintages balanced by a remarkable depth of flavour. The 2026 vintage will be remembered as an exceptionally early and rewarding season for Chenin Blanc on Riebeeksrivier.

The wine was aged on the fine lees for 6 months, with 15% completing malolactic fermentation before it was blended and bottled.