Era René 2023
R 420.00
ABOUT
The Landscape Series is a range of six wines that show the best of Gabriëlskloof's vineyards, together with some special old vine treasures and aims to give an honest representation of the elements that make these wines unique. The Era René is our first Botriver Chenin; we've been working on it since 2016. The wine was named after Gabriëlskloof founder Bernhard Heyns' mother, who left us a legacy of true grit and unconditional love.
VINEYARD NOTES
Harvest '23 was characterized by low yields and early ripening, resulting in wines of excellent concentration and marked freshness. The fruit is from two vineyards on the farm. The first vineyard (about 50% of the fruit) was planted to Semillon in 2004 and grafted to Chenin Blanc in 2016, and the rest is from a new bushvine vineyard, planted in 2018.
WINEMAKING
All fruit was whole bunch pressed and 100% wild fermented. A small part of the wine (about 30%) was fermented and aged in clay amphorae, while the rest was fermented and matured in older 400-and 500L barrels. The wine spent nine months on its lees before blending and bottling.
TASTING NOTE
The first vintage of this 100% Chenin Blanc is taut and angular at first but opens up to show a varied bouquet of unripe tropical fruit, white flowers, green apple, and lemon pith. The palate shows ripe orchard fruit alongside gooseberries, limes, and flint. Fresh acidity and the texture of green pineapple skin add tang and length to the finish.
TECHNICAL
Alc 13.6 | RS 2.7 | TA 6.0 | pH 3.34