Single Block Chenin Blanc

A fine choice for decadent seafood, such as abalone, steamed cod or pan-seared scallops.

Situated in a secluded little valley next to a lake on L’Avenir Estate, Block 30 vitally benefits from the cooling effect of breezes that sweep across the water. Homogenous, poor soil limits vineyard vigour, resulting in balanced vines. The combination of a unique micro-climate, moderate growth and old vines yield small bunches, with tiny berries and concentrated flavour. The 2021 Stellenbosch vintage was moderate with no unexpected heat spikes or rain and was in many ways similar to the celebrated 2017 vintage. Winemaker Dirk Coetzee noted that the cooler vintage resulted in elegant wines with a fine tannin structure and impressive fruit intensity.

After five hours of skin contact, fermentation started in cooled stainless steel tanks. The fermenting juice was then transferred to large first to third fill French oak barrels for 14 months. The wine was left on the healthy lees in these barrels and battonage was performed on a regular basis to naturally enhance the complexity and mouth feel of the wine.

L’Avenir’s rich history dates back to the late 1600s when the estate was one of the very first sites identified for grape growing by the Cape’s earliest European settlers. The estate was renamed L’Avenir in 1992 by Mark Wiehe a Mauritian businessman who left a career of trading sugar in London to purchase the farm. This was the start of specialisation of this unique boutique winery. Wiehe appointed former pharmacist Francois Naude as winemaker and the estate swiftly gained recognition for its distinctive Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. In 2005 L’Avenir was acquired by the owner of the prestigious Chablis property Laroche Chablisien Michel Laroche.