2023 Olifantsberg "Old Vine" Chenin Blanc, Breedekloof, Western Cape, South Africa

ABOUT THE WINE

The 2023 “Old Vine” Chenin Blanc is sourced from dry-farmed bush vines planted in the 1970s on decomposed sandstone and shale soils. These mature vines, deeply rooted and low-yielding, produce fruit of remarkable intensity and balance. The wine opens with layered aromatics—baked apple, white peach, orange blossom, and flinty reduction—framed by a savory, mineral tension that runs through the core.

Hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, the juice was spontaneously fermented with native yeasts. Fermentation and maturation took place across a mix of neutral 500L French oak barrels, concrete eggs, and stainless steel, allowing for both textural depth and bright fruit clarity. Extended lees aging for 9 months, with occasional bâtonnage, added weight and complexity without dulling the wine’s vibrant edge. Bottled unfined with minimal sulfur.

The 2023 vintage reflects a cool, slow-ripening season, enhancing freshness and aromatic clarity. This Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with grilled lobster, saffron risotto, or aged hard cheeses—and has the structure to age gracefully over 5–8 years.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Olifantsberg Family Vineyards is a high-altitude estate nestled on the slopes of the Olifantsberg mountains in Breedekloof, part of South Africa’s Western Cape. Under the skilled direction of winemaker Elizma Visser, the estate has earned a reputation for transparent, site-driven wines rooted in sustainability and minimal intervention.

The vineyards are dry-farmed and managed using organic principles, with a strong focus on soil regeneration and biodiversity. Elevation, rocky soils, and constant mountain winds contribute to wines with natural freshness, structure, and complexity.

Though Rhône varieties are a core focus, Chenin Blanc holds a special place in Olifantsberg’s portfolio—especially from old bush vine parcels that reflect South Africa’s deep viticultural heritage. The “Old Vine” Chenin Blanc is a tribute to these historic sites, capturing Breedekloof’s unique intersection of power, purity, and precision.