Chenin Blanc is at last receiving the kudos it deserves as a varietal worthy of serious vinification, and a sampling of the top wines from the 2004 WINE Magazine Tops at SPAR Chenin Blanc Challenge quickly reveals why: three 4½-star and four 4-star wines emerged from this year’s Challenge.
Wine lovers have the opportunity to assess for themselves a selection of the top 10 Chenins from the Challenge, at tutored tastings – led by Zakkie Bester, chairman of the Chenin Blanc Association – in Cape Town and Johannesburg early next month.
Heading the line-up is the winning Kanu Limited Release Wooded 2002 from three-time Challenge winner Teddy Hall. The judging panel found this wine 'complex, rich and weighty on the palate' and commented on its well-integrated oak, crisp acidity, good texture and long finish.
The 4½-star Spier Private Collection 2001 and Forrester Meinert Chenin 2002, as well as the 4-star Fleur du Cap 2002, Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented 2003, Zondernaam 2003 and Ken Forrester 2003 will also be in the line-up.
The tastings take place at The President Hotel in Sea Point on 6 May and at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton on 7 May, at 18h00 for 18h30. Tickets for the tasting (plus light snacks afterwards) cost R110 a person.
Contact: Dean Dicks, for Cape Town bookings
Tel: +27 (0) 21 530-3205
Email: dean@rsp.co.za
Contact: Tshia Aphiri, for Johannesburg bookings
Tel: +27 (0) 11 783-7030
Email: tshiaa@rsp.co.za
Issued by: Shelly van Zyl
Email: Shelly@rsp.co.za