Ses’fikile 2021 one of THE standout SA Chenins of the year
AMAZINGLY, at the time of writing, it was still not yet sold out. At under R100, the most keenly-priced of the 28 top-scoring Chenin Blancs and Chenin-driven blends in a panel-tasting of 223 South African bottlings reviewed for the international Decanter Magazine. This is one of the bargains of the year, with an interest value that had Masters of Wine comparing it with Chenins costing twice, three times, four times as much and then some.
The Ses’fikile wines of former teacher turned cellarmaster Nondumiso Pikashe of Gugulethu can be tasted and bought at the brand home, The Wine Arc on the Nietvoorbij premises in Stellenbosch – where there are also some hunger-busters on offer, e.g. buffalo wings, chicken masala sandwiches, gourmet boerewors rolls, cheese and charcuterie, waffles… Curiously, if you purchase it from the Arc, the Ses’fikile white blend costs a little less than it does direct from the producer!
SES’FIKILE CHENIN BLANC ROUSSANNE 2021
WO Western Cape. Grapes from Voor-Paardeberg-Swartland. 90% Chenin, 10% Roussanne. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Traditional winemaking methods. Screwcap.
Alc 12.5 | RS 1.7 | TA 5.6 | pH 3.4
Decanter’s Tasting Notes: “Crushed slate, mineral and precise. Velvety, svelte palate with depth and concentration. Supremely classy yellow stone fruit complexity with a beguiling granitic minerality” – Greg Sherwood MW. “Juicy fruit purity with rounded texture and lemon, peach and tangerine fruit. Smoky back notes, too. Delicious, stony finish” – Beverley Blanning MW. “Fresh lime and lemon essence, wild herbs, savoury, citrus curd, fine acidity, yuzu and lemongrass. Lightness on palate, restrained and layered” – Roger Jones.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: A fresh, crisp acidity balanced with tropical fruit and a hint of honey flavours. A fruit-driven wine that can be enjoyed with white meats or fish, salads, “and my favourite pairing is Umphokoqo (crumbly mielie pap) with fresh cream and Amasi (fermented milk).”
R80.50pb at The Wine Arc, R83.33 (R500 for 6×750ml) ex-producer
