Patatsfontein
Steen 2019, 2020
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
From old bushvine Chenin Blanc on the decomposed granite soils of the Voor Paardeberg, whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in old oak with ten months on the lees, Patatsfontein's Steen is one of the most authentically Cape expressions of the variety: rooted in the farm, the soil, the old vines and a winemaking philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum honesty.
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
2019:
'Just a little more colombard than chenin on 2019 blend, as 2018 (4 stars, 88 pts). Fresh & expressive, with forthright flavour & beautifully balanced grippy acidity. Fine advertisement for an underrated, usually simply fruity variety. Lightly oaked; 13% alcohol.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 4.5* (90/100)
'Beginning with waxy citrus and mineral-focused heart, the 2019 Patatsblanc is a blend of 75% Colombard and 25% Chenin Blanc. The nose bursts with elements of citrus blossom, baked earth and wax melon. Medium-bodied, it has an impressive mouthfeel and texture with lively acidity and mineral tension that weighs on the mid-palate. It finishes with a lingering flavor of nuts and a kiss of phenolic bitterness, making this a very cerebral and complex wine that will remain food friendly for years to come. Do not let the screw cap persuade you away. Just under 5500 bottles were produced of this 13% alcohol wine.' - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (May 2021)
'Colombard and Chenin Blanc from neighbouring vineyards supply the fruit for this near equal cuvée of these two complementary white grapes. Waxy, savoury and showing some tannic grip, this is a scented, stony, herbal white that over delivers at its price point. 2021-24' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 92/100
2020:
"Outstanding freshness and mineral focus from a brilliant Paardeberg site. One of the most honest and authentic Steen expressions in the Cape." - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 95/100 (Sep 2021)
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