Donovan Rall is counted among the best winemakers in Swartland and South Africa. In everything, he is an impressive personality and that is not only due to his imposing stature. After graduating from Stellenbosch University in 2005, he first decided to travel before returning and settling in Swartland in 2007. Here he went in search of old small vineyards, from which he makes natural wines. The fruit from the different parcels is always vinified separately and then blended. This is where Donovan’s talent comes into play; he is probably one of the best blenders in the Cape. All his wines are made naturally.

15th vintage is possibly Donovan’s favourite to date. Grapes grown mainly in the granitic soils of the Paardeberg and now also containing a big portion of fruit from the vineyard used for Noa this 2022 is certainly the most focused and age worthy white in this year’s release. All components fermented naturally and matured separately in a combination of 2000 litre foudre, seasoned small French oak and concrete eggs before blending and bottling after 10 months.

Blend of 72% Chenin Blanc, 24% Verdelho and 4% Viognier
13450 bottles produced

Vineyard

The chenin blanc for this wine comes from three different vineyards, two old vineyards (bushvines) on Paardeberg and one guided vineyard on a schist soil in Riebeeksrivier. Verdelho comes from a vineyard with a lot of red clay in Helderberg, while viognier comes from granite-rich soil in Voor-Paardeberg.

Vinification

The vinification is very natural with wild yeasts and fermentation takes place in old 225 liter, 300 and 400 liter barrels. The wine stays on the lie for 10 months, after which it is blended and bottled.

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72% Chenin Blanc, 24% Verdelho and 4% Viognier – includes a portion of Chenin from the vineyard from which Noa below is sourced. Expressive aromatics of citrus, peach, floral perfume, herbs and a subtle reductive note while the palate has a dense core of fruit, invigorating acidity and dry finish. Poised and rather thrilling drinking.

Christian Edes’s rating: 97/100.

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Justerini & Brooks

Rall’s flagship wine, the White 2022 is comprised of Chenin, Verdelho and Viognier, increasing the base of high acidity, reflecting Rall’s continued pursuit of precise, ageworthy whites. In the early days it was about texture and richness, since 2017 Donovan has stripped back the blend to great acclaim. All the components are aged separately, all in wood bar one concrete egg. No new oak is used. The 2022 was on the whole early picked and arrives at a refreshing 12.5% alcohol. Notes of citrus, elderflower, flint and stones, with fine earth, essential oils and salted nuts, there is a lot going on here. Donovan regards it as one of the best he has ever made.