Other recent vintages:  2022   2021   2020  

Chenin Blanc is both the oldest and highest-elevation vineyard at Noble Hill. Natural fermentation in clay amphorae & concrete tanks yields delicate citrus aromas underlined by granite minerality.

  • South Africa    Coastal Region    Simonsberg
  • 91%
    Chenin Blanc
      5%
    Grenache Blanc
      4%
    Viognier
     
  • Alcohol
      13.5%
  • Certified organic
  • Certified sustainable
  • Harvest time
      Early February
  • Natural wine
  • Oak
      No oak contact
  • Production
      1,100 cases
  • Residual sugar
      1.3
  • Soil
      Granite
  • Vegan
  • Vineyard aspect
      Northwest
  • Vineyard elevation
      350m
  • Vineyard planted
      1987, 2016
  • Vineyard size
      4
  • Vineyard yield
      6
  • Award
      4 stars, Platter's South African Wine Guide (2022 vintage)
  • Award
      91 points, Tim Atkin MW (2023 vintage)

In the vines

Our old-vine Chenin Blanc, planted in a hidden crook overlooking the valley, grows with quiet strength and minimal intervention. In 2016 we established a new Chenin Blanc vineyard in deep decomposed granite soils high on the slopes of the Simonsberg. Grapes from these two sites balance each other and give the wine depth and complexity.

The 2023 growing season was moderate, with a dry spring. Grapes arrived in excellent condition at the winery.

The wine

We use unique large-format concrete vessels to ferment and mature our Chenin Blanc. These concrete vessels allow the wine to develop nuance and complexity without imparting oak flavour. The wine is fermented with wild yeast populations, and left on the fine lees for 9 months with regular stirring to develop fullness and depth. The name “Sur Lie” refers to this extended lees ageing.

A small portion of the wine is left for extended aging on the skins in clay amphorae. This skin contact gives the overall blend an unctuous and layered flavour.

This Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of fresh lime blossom, honeydew melon, and green apple. The aromas are balanced by delicate mineral flavours derived from the rocky slopes of the Simonsberg mountains where the wine is grown.