STILL AVAILABLE at the time of writing, costing just a little bit more than it did a month or so earlier when chosen as the panel's absolute favourite and scored 96 points in Winemag's 2025 SA Chenin Blanc Report: The Dry Land Collection Courageous Barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc 2024 from the Perdeberg Cellar in Windmeul, Paarl. “Celebrating Dry Land Vine Boldness,” according to the label.
Situated on the Paarl side of the Paardeberg Mountain, with the Swartland to the north and west, the Perdeberg wine farmers have long positioned themselves as Chenin specialists. They also champion the benefits of old vines (35 years plus), and such is the good track record of the Dry Land Collection BF Chenin that it ranks among the most highly rated across a span of vintages over the past 10 years – the 2023 awarded gold at the Global Wine Masters, the 2022 scored 95 at the Internatonal Wine & Spirit Compeition, and so on.
How did Winemag describe the 2024? “Attractive aromatics of honeysuckle, herbs, citrus and peach plus a touch of flinty reduction. The palate has weight but also energy – concentrated fruit and racy acidity before a pithy finish.”
PERDEBERG DRY LAND BARREL-FERMENTED CHENIN BLANC 2024
WO Paarl. Grapes from 39-year-old dryland (unirrigated) bush vines, harvested in March 2024. Grapes de-stemmed and, after pressing, the juice was left in contact with the skins for two hours. 11 months in French oak barrels (20% new, 80% second- and third-fill). Free-run juice fermented and the wine kept on the lees (sediment) with no stirring until bottling. No malolactic fermentation. Six months bottle maturation before release. Total production: 13 524 bottles.
Alc 14.1 | RS 3.7 | TA 6.2 | pH 3.3
From the Producer's Tasting Notes: Pale gold. Citrus, pear, peach and pineapple notes on the nose. Hints of citrus, litchi and vanilla on the palate. Crisp finish.
When to Drink: Enjoyable on release, with the potential to age for eight years.
Pairing Suggestions: Seafood dishes, fragrant chicken curry, rich cheeses.
R200pb ex-cellar.
