MULDERBOSCH was a pioneer of wooded Chenin Blanc in South Africa. The style quickly gained a following and today many, if not most of the leading wines from this variety so widely planted throughout the Cape have spent time in barrel. Although, the Steen op Hout (Chenin on Wood) from this cellar off the Polkadraai Road in Stellenbosch is fairly light in terms of both oak and strengh.

Connoissuers might consider the Steen as secondary relative to those beauties in the range of single-vineyard Chenins from Mulderbosch. Certainly the price would suggest as much. But the 2019 vintage upholds a reputation for good value, received with rounds of applause including that of the Winemag panellests who rated it among their Top 10. Which followed a win for the 2017 vintage in the SA Chenin Blanc Association’s Top 10 Challenge – a year that the winemakers used grapes from Darling as well as Stellenbosch.

Good news for pizza lovers is that the Mulderbosch chefs have lit their wood-fired oven and are serving lunch again, following the relaxing of COVID-19 lockdown regulations. And the best pizza topping if you’re drinking Steen? According to the menu: Asian Chicken with Roasted Pepper and Coriander. Alternatively: Fig, Blue Cheese and Pancetta.

Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc
Steen op Hout 2019
WO Stellenbosch. Harvested as early as possible for high natural acidity and freshness. 25% fermented in French oak (a combination of two- and three-year-old 300L barrels and 1500L foudres), 75% in stainless-steel tanks. Left on the lees (spent yeast) for six months before bottling.
Alc 13.0 | RS 2.1 | TA 6.6 | pH 3.4
Producer’s Tasting Notes: Aromas of citrus rind, ripe apricots, and subtle oak spice. On the palate, lively acidity balanced by firm, pithy texture – unmistakable citrus notes, offset by creaminess.
R85pb ex-cellar.