92 points - Tim Atkin's South Africa Special report 2023, superb Chenin from this special biodynamic farm
A ripe yet restrained and complex nose, showing quince, white peach and yellow apple, with a hint of fennel. The palate has great concentration of honeyed, lightly floral fruit, perfectly balanced by taut acidity and minerality. The wine lingers with hints of ripe apricot and honey.
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned farm using organic practices. The farm is perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Hand picked Chenin Blanc grapes from a single block on the Schapenberg, 5km from the sea.
The grapes are hand sorted and whole bunch pressed, then wild yeast fermented in 600l French oak barrels. The wine spends 10 months on lees without stirring. No additions were made other than sulphur. Only 4386 bottles were made.
Try with light seafood pasta dishes and risottos, goats cheese salads or roasted butternut squash.
92 Points - Tim Atkin MW 2023 South Africa Special Report
