Cape Heritage and The Loire

Timed Online Auction, 1 - 12 August 2024

Cape Heritage - White Wines
About the Session

The Cape Heritage White Wine Session features the noble variety, Chenin Blanc, known for its versatility and fruit intensity. South Africa has the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world and produces long-aging, diverse and fine wines.


Sold for

ZAR 4 925
Lot 48
  • Rall; Ava Chenin Blanc; 2019; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 4 500 - 7 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 4 925
Location
Wine Storage

About this Item

2019 Ava Chenin Blanc
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

Established in 2008, owner and winemaker Donovan Rall is one of the driving forces behind the South African fine wine revolution. His philosophy is a simple hands-off approach, with each parcel allowed to mature and ferment naturally in order to reflect the character of each vineyard. Today his wines have a cult following and sell on allocation around the world.

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘Bright and expressive in the glass, the 2019 AVA Chenin Blanc delivers a luscious and round expression with notes of yellow apples, sautéed almonds and marzipan with hints of lemon pastry cream and dusty citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied, the wine springs to life with energetic acidity that drives down the mid-palate, showing its precision and finesse before ending with a long and citrus-driven finish. It's an excellent expression of Chenin Blanc from Swartland. Give it a try.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (Jun 2022)

‘Compelling but restrained, nothing overt on 2019. The delicate interplay of fruit & minerals, the languid silkiness urged to a peacock’s tail conclusion by riveting acidity, all poised, in balance & heading for magnificent future. 11 months older oak. 13% alcohol.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (95/100)

‘A very distinctive and ageworthy Chenin, from a single vineyard in Kasteelberg on schist, fermented and aged in small used barrels. It's reminiscent of a Savennières with its aromas of hay and lemongrass, and concentrated, complex flavours of honeyed orchard fruit, soft herbs and smoky flint. The poised yet powerful palate is beautifully textured, with great energy and freshness drawing out the finish. 'It’s the best Ava I've made,' attests Rall.’ – Tina Gellie, Decanter.com, 96/100 (Apr 2021)

‘The nose seems looser than the Rall White's. This is playful rather than magisterial to me. Transparent and welcoming initially, albeit with the tang of old-vine Chenin on the very end, and a strong dose of salinity. Ambitious and demanding a response from the taster. There's a real chewy interplay on the finish. But the start is deceptively creamy and easy.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Sep 2020)

‘All sourced from a site on the Kasteelberg, all planted on schist soils, this was so high in malic acid that Donovan Rall allowed 80% of it to go through malolactic fermentation to soften the sharp edges. Bready, textured and complex, with broad peach and pear fruit, nuanced wood and a focused, stony finish. 2021-26.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2020, 96/100

‘A wonderfully multifaceted nose with notes of naartjie, grapefruit, apple, fynbos, thatch and spice plus a slight note of struck-match reduction. The palate is big but flavourful – super-intense and super-long. The same great fruit concentration of previous vintages but perhaps some extra freshness and drive. Delivers in spades!’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 (Jul 2020)

View all Rall Wines lots for sale in this auction