FOR DECADES the top white wine in DGB’s premium Bellingham range was labelled The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc: WO Coastal Region, with grapes from Bottelary in Stellenbosch playing the leading role. Come 2020, a single-vineyard version was released, 2018 being the maiden vintage, the fruit from Durbanville plantings dating back to 1983 and with the front label proclaiming ‘Wine of Origin Cape Town’. However there continues to be a Coastal version, now labelled ‘Limited Release’ – albeit produced in far greater volumes than the single-vineyard bottling – and the grapes coming from both Durbanville and Bottelary, three vineyards planted between 40 and 50 years ago, with the Durbanville fruit contributing most to the complexity.

It’s the 2021 Limited Release that’s been in the limelight of late, earning first gold at Mundus Vini (Germany) and then judged best wine overall in the Winemag Chenin Blanc Report (SA). This after the 2020 had shone at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK) and had been a winner in the Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge (SA), which was after the 2019 vintage rated 97 at Decanter’s World Wine Awards (UK) and achieved a trophy for DGB at the Michelangelo Awards (SA). 2019 was also a good year for the ‘Cape Town’ version, a double gold medallist at the Global Fine Wine Challenge in Australia (previously the ‘Six Nations’), which followed the 2018’s score of 95 in Winemag’s 2020 Chenin Blanc Report.

BELLINGHAM OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC LIMITED RELEASE 2021
WO Coastal Region: vineyards planted in 1971, 1982 and 1983, with the major component comprising grapes from Durbanville and the balance from Bottelary-Stellenbosch. The harvest took place in two phases: the first fermented naturally (wild yeast) in foudre (large oak vats), concrete tank and terracotta amphorae; the second phase fermented naturally in 300L barrels (30% new). Monthly battonage (stirring) for around 10 months before blending and bottling. 10 000 cases (45 000L).
Alc 13.6 | RS 3.8 | TA 6.5 | pH 3.4
Winemag’s Tasting Notes: Compelling aromatics with top notes of floral perfume and hay before citrus and peach plus some leesy complexity. A dense core of fruit is offset by driving acidity, the finish long and dry. A very classy wine with poise and detail.
Winemakers’ Tasting Notes: Bright citrus and tropical notes with hints of ripe lime. Peach and apricot stone fruit on the nose comes from the Bottelary hills vineyards and brings a richness to the wine. The palate is fresh, elegant and bright… gentle spice. Fruit forward, with power and balance.
R235pb from brand home at Franschhoek Cellar (Bellingham cellar in Wellington closed to the public).