2023 Carinus Rooidraai Chenin Blanc

96 pts
Old-vine Swartland Chenin made with precision and restraint by one of the Cape’s best.

Price:
Sale price$55.00
Stock:
Sold out
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Description

This is top-shelf stuff from one of the Cape’s best winemaking partnerships. The vineyard’s no joke - planted in 1981 on red granite in the Swartland, dry-grown and properly looked after. The fruit goes to Lukas van Loggerenberg, who handles it with his usual calm confidence. No bells and whistles, just early picks, gentle work, and ten months in old oak.

It’s not a loud wine, but it’s got presence. There’s citrus and dried herbs, maybe a bit of potpourri if you’re paying attention, and a salty edge that keeps everything tight. It starts out a bit shy, but give it a moment and it stretches out beautifully - long, dry, and incredibly moreish. The acidity’s sharp and carries the whole thing with ease.

This is clean, focussed Chenin made with serious intent. No flashiness, no fat - just balance, drive, and the kind of quiet power that sneaks up on you. Easily one of the smartest buys for lovers of proper, old-vine South African white.

96 points - "The earlier two of four picks are used to produce the Rooidraai Chenin Blanc, made for the Carinus family by superstar winemaker Lukas van Loggerenberg. Light on its feet, despite completing full malolactic, this is chiselled, mealy and slightly salty with understated oak and a flinty finish." - Tim Atkin MW

From a Swartland Vineyard planted in 1981 on iron rich granite. Matured in old 300l French oak barrels for 10 months. Exotic aromatics of mandarin, fynbos and potpourri. On the palate the fruit purity is shy at first but reveals itself beautifully after time in the glass. The acidity is sharp edged with the wine finishing long and dry.

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type White
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Chenin Blanc
Country South Africa
Region Swartland
Critic Score 96
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

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