David & Nadia
Aristargos 2017
Cape Heritage
About the SessionA selection of South Africa’s finest wines, inspired by our rich wine heritage and the unique character of the Cape Winelands. Chenin Blanc is celebrated for its remarkable versatility, producing an exceptional range of wine styles, particularly in South Africa, home to the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world. These historic vineyards continue to produce wines of great diversity, elegance, and ageing potential. The Pinotage selection showcases leading producers, all of whom have become consistent flag bearers for this proudly South African variety.
About this Item
The 2017 is based on Chenin Blanc with complementary Rhône varieties including Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne, naturally fermented and matured in old oak. It shows an exotic nose of flowers, dried grass, peach, apricot, melon, and pineapple, with zippy acidity, lovely fruit expression, and a savoury, lingering finish.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
"Is the whole more complex than the sum of its parts? The answer on this cuvée of Chenin Blanc and five other varieties is surely yes. Rich, yet focused, with the perfume and texture of the 14% Viognier adding disproportionately to the blend, but balanced by acidity and notes of wild herbs." - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 94/100 (Sep 2018)
"Broad, floral, rich nose with an added twist from the Marsanne. Very layered and dense. Already enjoyable in a citrus cough sweet sort of way." - Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Sep 2018)
"Chenin blanc (58%), Viognier (14%), Clairette blanche (13%), Sémillon (7%), Roussanne (5%) and Marsanne (3%). Close to a natural wine, though using a bit of sulphur, this saw spontaneous fermentation and ageing in neutral 300-litre barrels, with some skin contact. There’s a real curry-leaf quality, apples and soft almond. The fruit is dry like apricot and a touch of juicier ripe pear. The palate is dry, with thrilling acidity, salty and like apple cores, driving an umami-fresh finish." - Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com, 94/100 (Jan 2019)
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