Critics Ratings

The Family Reserve Chenin Blanc has made the Standard Bank Top 10 list almost every year since its inception in 2014, and this vintage is no exception, raking in a whole array of awards that include:

• Veritas 2017 – Double Gold
• Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2017 - Gold
• John Platter Wine Guide 2017 – 5 Star
• Six Nations Wine Challenge 2016 - Gold
• Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge 2016

2012 - 'From 3 Helderberg sites, 2012 has very fine aromas! Clean & shy, with restrained promise – crisp apple, blossoms follow to serious palate with savoury entry, focused texture & complex dried fruits (peaches, pineapple). Supportive rather than obtrusive oaking. Ends rich & dry.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2012, 5*

'Whatever else you might say about Joubert’s wines, “restrained” is not a word you would typically use but this Chenin is indeed rather subtle and understated. Peach and a hint of pineapple, while the oak lends spice and an appealing sort of custard-like quality. There’s bright, well-coated acidity and no over-ripe or botrytis character in evidence. In fact, it’s so reined-in that some might accuse it of lacking the wow-factor of a flagship. However, there’s no doubting it’s drinkability (too often the really powerful examples of Chenin flatter to deceive) and I think Joubert should be applauded for going in pursuit of elegance.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100

'The 2012 Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc comes from dry farmed bush vines between 35 and 47-years old and is barrel-fermented without any botrytis like the Vineyard Selection. It has a stricter, less immediate bouquet compared to the Vineyard Selection, more citric with touches of dried apricot and dried quince. The palate is well-balanced with fine poise and focus. It does not have the volume of the Vineyard Reserve but there is a touch more precision on the finish. It erforms more as a food accompaniment Chenin rather one that stands on its own.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90/100

2013 - 'The best wines at Kleine Zalze are often the Chenin Blancs, and that’s the case here: weight, acidity, tropical mango and honeyed fruit, well integrated oak and a granitic, minerally core that keeps the finish fresh and focused.'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 91/100'

'2013 result of multi-vineyard blending, partial wood ferment in various aged barrels, then 12 months more. Melon & stonefruit richness, some citrus peel, all brightened by acidity. Has great presence, just short of 2012 (5 stars).' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2013,4.5*

'Bar a 5 Star-rating in Platter’s, the Family Reserve Chenin Blanc 2013 from Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch has picked up just about every accolade possible for a wine: it recently won grand gold as well as being declared best white wine overall at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles while its achievements last year included gold at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, a place among the winners in the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge and the Collotype Grand Prix Trophy at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards. 'I clearly like it as I was on both the Trophy Wine Show and Chenin Blanc Challenge panels that saw fit to reward it. Looking at it again over the week-end, my reflection was that it’s just about bullet-proof. A top-note of honeysuckle before citrus and peach plus a little spice and only the very vaguest hint of leesiness. The palate meanwhile shows excellent fruit concentration, bright acidity and well integrated oak –perfectly balanced and a wine of depth rather than weight.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100

'The 2013 Family Reserve Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc comes from three 40+-year old vineyards and is the second release of this wine. Matured for ten months in barrel, it has an upfront "nose" compared to the tauter 2014s, with peppermint-tinged, citrus fruit and dried honey. The palate is nicely balanced with very good weight and focus. The acidity is very well-judged and combines nicely with the vibrant, citrus fruit and stoniness on the reserved finish. Give this another 12 months to really show what it can do.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91/100

2014 - 'Result of multi-vineyard blending, partial wood ferment, then year more in barrel, no fining, filtration. 2014 has stonefruit & citrus, vibrates with youthful freshness, showcases the quality the variety can reach. Will age well.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2016,4.5*

'Granny smith! Jumping from the glass. There are melon, honey and blossom notes too, but the oak is slightly intrusive. Great vigour here though in the sweet floral chamomile touches.' - Decanter (90/100)

2015 - 'Barrel-fermented, but without any new wood in the mix, this dry farmed Chenin comes from three parcels on False Bay, the Bottelary Hills and Stellenbsoch Mountain. Rich, honeyed and showing the influence of skin contact, it’s toasty complex and supported by feisty acidity.'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 92/100

'With 5 chenins, Kleine Zalze showcases the variety, demonstrates stylistic expertise. Barrel fermented/aged flagship 2015 remains variety-true: quince & hay, vibrant freshness, extended finish. No fining, filtration. Great, & long life ahead, as with 2014 (4.5 stars, 93 pts).' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017,5* (93/100)

'This wine already has an impressive track record (see the review of the 2013 here) but the 2015 is spectacular. Pear and white peach plus hay, honeysuckle and fynbos on the nose while the palate shows extraordinary fruit purity and driving acidity before a little phenolic grip on the finish thanks to pre-ferment skln contact. Crystalline in structure.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

2016 - 'Old vine fruit - between 36 and 43 years’ old in this case - seemed to preserve its acidity better in the hot, dry conditions of 2016. Pure, taut and crisp, with notes of apple tart and baking spices, this is chiselled and precise with scented oak. 2018-23'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 94/100

'Showcasing five chenins at different price points, Kleine Zalze demonstrates stylistic expertise. Barrel fermented/aged flagship 2016 captures chenin’s essence, quince & hay, lively acidity, promising a long life. Follows stellar 2015 (5 stars, 96 pts).' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)

2017 - 'We are looking for freshness,” says Alastair Rimmer of this elegant, acidity-driven Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, which eschews new wood to allow the purity of the fruit free rein. Subtle and flora, with pronounced minerality. 2019-25'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 94/100

'White flagship from 3 different sites, textbook 2018 has vibrant orchard fruit, nuts, fresh citrus & creamy vanilla from barrel ferment/8 months in older wood, like 2017 (4.5 stars, 94 pts). Rich & curvy yet vivacious. Drinks well now, but has a long journey ahead.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* 

Provenance

Producer