Rall
Ava Chenin Blanc 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
For the Ava, the 2020 growing season delivered the ideal conditions for old-vine Chenin Blanc: lower yields than the preceding years, fine natural acidity and concentrated old-vine extract that had been building since the drought cycle tightened its roots into the schist. The result is a wine of exceptional quality - Tim Atkin MW awarded 96 points in his 2021 SA Special Report, describing it as 'a brilliant, textured Chenin Blanc' with quince, pear and apple flavours and a savoury, grippy finish. Jancis Robinson MW scored it 18/20, calling it an expression of 'molten Swartland gloriousness.'
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
'The Swartland and Stellenbosch are the twin sources of this consistently outstanding white blend from Donovan Rall, made from a cuvée of Chenin Blanc with 32% Verdelho and a splash of Viognier. Nuanced, understated and focused, with wax, lanolin and aniseed top notes and a palate of citrus, pear and peach skin. Taut and refreshing.' - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2021, 96/100
There's a light honey glow over this wine in a thoroughly Chenin-like fashion. Molten Swartland gloriousness. Such precision and cut! Great tight crystalline acidity and structure after green apples and a hint of honeysuckle. Amazing persistence.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Oct 2021)
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