An isolated vineyard in the Malgas ward near the mouth of the Breede River– called Sijnn (pronounced Seine) by theoriginal Khoisan inhabitants. Perched on a plateau of slate and rolled stones, about 15km from the southern oceans of Africa.
The complex stony soils, together with a warm dry climate moderated by constant sea breezes provides an ideal terroir to produce Chenin Blanc. Blocks 15 & 16 planted in 2005 on quartzitic round stone soils. Blocks 31 to 36 planted in 2010 on round stone soils. All vines are grown as bush vines due to the exceptional low yield and vigour. Mostly 2 high quality, low yielding clones (SN24 & SN220) of Chenin Blanc on drought resistant rootstocks – R99, Rug.140 and R110. Yield: 3-4 tons/ha
Growing season of this vintage started off very dry and warm, but in October and November of 2020, we had a lot of rain, 150mm. Harvest saw cooler weather, with cool nights throughout the harvest period, producing wines with excellent acidities. A small crop.
Handpicked and sorted in the vineyards in the early morning to ensure beautiful cool grapes arrive at the cellar. 60% Whole bunch pressed in a basket press and 40% gently crushed and pressed. The juice is barrel fermented in a 400 and 700L French oak barrels. No new oak, for 10 months, left on the lees, which adds a lot of texture and balance. Lightly fined with bentonite, unfiltered, and bottled by hand.
Bottling date: 10/01/2022
Production: 1440 x 750ml
A precious colour of gold. Beautiful mandarin, minerality and citrus notes. Textured palate, with hints of orange and salinity. Fine acidity gently rests on your palate. Lovely peach pith, apricots and nuttiness. Gentle honeysuckle and beeswax on the after taste. It is really expressive of the area and it captures the cooler dry area of Malgas. Paired best with most rich dishes ranging from Risotto to Fish and even good with lamb.
ANALYSIS: Alc. 13,8 % | SG 1,7 g/ℓ | TA 6,4 g/ℓ | pH 3,26 | VA 0,6 g/l | SO₂ Free 2 mg/ℓ & Total 68mg/ℓ