Description

Botanica – Mary Delaney – Chenin Blanc 2022

This remarkable white wine is a pure expression of 100% Chenin Blanc, sourced exclusively from a heritage vineyard planted in 1960 on Citrusdal Mountain in the Olifants River region of South Africa. These dry-farmed bush vines struggle in decomposed sandstone and shale soils at high elevations, producing low yields of intensely concentrated fruit. The 2022 vintage was defined by a cooler growing season in the Western Cape, which allowed for a slow, even ripening process. This extended hang time preserved the grape's natural acidity while developing profound phenolic complexity, resulting in a wine that perfectly balances richness with tension.

In the glass, the wine exhibits a pristine, pale straw color with youthful lime-green highlights. The nose is complex and evocative, opening with primary aromas of Anjou pear, yellow apple, and white peach, underpinned by secondary notes of fynbos (indigenous herbal scrub), crushed gravel, and a classic Chenin hint of wet wool or lanolin. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine that captivates with a dense, waxy texture—a hallmark of old-vine Chenin. Flavors of quince, bruised apple, and zesty citrus oil are framed by a vibrant, electric acidity. The finish is long and saline, leaving a lingering impression of ginger spice and wet stone.

Winemaker Ginny Povall practices a hands-off philosophy to showcase the unique terroir of this site. The farming is sustainable and focused on maintaining the health of these historic vines. In the cellar, the fruit undergoes spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The process takes place in a combination of concrete eggs and older 400-liter French oak barrels, followed by six months of aging on the gross lees. This technique builds a creamy mid-palate weight and structural integrity without imparting aggressive oak flavors, preserving the purity of the fruit.

This wine's combination of texture and high acidity makes it a brilliant companion for the dinner table. It pairs beautifully with pan-seared scallops served over a sweet corn purée, where the wine's salinity complements the seafood and cuts through the richness of the corn. For a classic Sunday dinner, serve it alongside a roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or a grilled pork chop topped with apple compote to echo the wine's orchard fruit profile. With a score of 94 points from Winemag, this vintage offers exceptional quality and age-worthiness, delivering a level of complexity often found in wines at twice the price point.