Wellington ‘La Cave’ Chenin Blanc 2024

Wellington Wines ‘La Cave’ Chenin Blanc 2024

Winemaking

Grapes, from Certified Heritage Vineyards planted between 1979 – 1984, yielding only 4 tons/ha, were harvested at 230B in the early morning hours to retain its freshness and fruity characters. After de-stalking and crushing, the juice was fermented in a combination of 1st and 2nd fill 500L and 700L French oak barrels. The wine was matured in the same barrels for a period of 12 months, with regular bâtonnage (stirring of the lees) to enhance complexity.

Tasting Notes

Enchanting light gold hues lead to inviting aromas of marmalade, citrus peel, bruised apple, peach, apricot, and ripe pineapple, complemented by subtle oak spice, butter, and lemon meringue nuances. The palate is soft and supple with a rounded, textured mid-palate displaying notable weight. Well-judged oak integration adds dimension without overpowering the core fruit. Flavors of citrus, yellow apple, butterscotch, and dried pineapple unfold in succession, supported by fine acidity. The wine finishes with great length, layered structure, and poised integration of fruit and oak.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.0 %
Residual Sugar: 2.9 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
pH: 3.43
Wine of Origin: Wellington

Special Note

Our flagship range celebrates the early years of winemaking when wines were stored in caves during maturation and the recent discovery of a series of caves below our very own cellar. The grapes for the wines are meticulously hand-selected from the very best vineyard blocks and we gently handle the grapes in the cellar with minimal disruption. The range consists of a Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Cape Blend and Shiraz, with our red wines matured in small first-­fill French oak barrels before being bottled.