Critics Ratings

‘All 5 chenin vineyards picked at similar ripeness levels; this the highest alcohol (14.5%) & richest fruit character. 2018’s generous apricot & peach tones beautifully balanced by vibrant but not assertive acidity, liquorice lift. Like all the chenins, fermented in large 60 year old vats, aged in varying sizes of older oak (here 500L, 14 months) for breadth & depth, not flavour. 2017 untasted.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 5* (96/100)

‘Not made in 2017 because of the drought, Dassiekop hails from a high, rocky site on a neighbouring property planted in 1964. Foudre-aged with no skin contact, it's a rich, broad, comparatively opulent style with higher alcohol than the other Badenhorst Chenins, baking spice, cream and apple tart flavours and a taut finish. 2020-26’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 94/100

‘The 2018 Dassiekop, vinified the same as the Klip Kop, has a very neutral aromatic profile; I would like more Chenin Blanc to show through. The palate is much better, almost the opposite of the nose, with an effervescent orange rind, tangerine and white pepper opening, impressive weight and a tangible sense of energy and tension on the finish. Give this two or three years in bottle for the bouquet to get itself together.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 92+/100 (Oct 2019)

‘This is more steely on the nose than the Kelderblock, with some oak spice and lees richness. A bit of a conundrum because there is so much ripe fruit on the palate. A little too big for (my) comfort but certainly concentrated and powerful.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Sep 2019)

Provenance

Restaurant Mosaic