IT WASN’T the first time they’d won with their second-tier Chenin that doesn’t see the inside of a barrel. The grapes come from different blocks relative to those used for their flagship Barrel Fermented version or The Mothership in their ArtiSons range, but the vines are also very mature (experienced?) and grown in the same part of Stellenbosch from which quite a few cellars source fruit to make quite a few of South Africa’s finest.

It’s the 2019 vintage of Stellenrust Chenin Blanc that placed among Winemag’s 2020 Top 10 (SA). Two years prior to this, the 2017 was scored 95/100 by Decanter (UK). Before that, the 2015 vintage won gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK), and before that, the 2014 was a winner in the Chenin Blanc Association’s Top 10 Challenge (SA).

Sadly, the latest winner is all but sold out at the tasting room on Stellenrust’s Helderberg farm, where they recently moved on to the next vintage. However, at the time of writing the 2019 was still available at several specialist wine shops in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Plus, the 2020 is also delicious, and selling for the same, low price!

Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 2019
WO Stellenbosch: 30- to 40-year-old grapes from Bottelary Hills. Natural fermentation (wild yeast) in stainless-steel tanks for up to three months and kept on the lees (spent yeast) for five months before blending and fining. Unwooded.
Alc 13.5 | RS 3.4 | TA 7.1 | pH 3.1
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Strong lime and some tropical fruit on the nose, with a mineral palate of grape fruit and pear drop – making it a great accompaniment to dishes such as smoked chicken salad on a warm summer’s day, or thinly sliced carpaccio served on a bed of rocket with a lemon, olive oil and black pepper dressing. Rich, lingering finish.
Cellar-door price: R68pb.