Decanter World Wine AwardsAll wines
Recommended wines
Fairview, La Capra, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Cool and complex nose of ripe stone fruit, herbs, guava, nettles and pear. Some attractive grip and distinct skin contact apparent on the palate. A fresh, vibrant and fruity wine with chalky minerality, excellent balance and a long juicy finish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (18.5 points)
Selfridges Chenin Blanc, by Ken Forrester, Elgin 2009
Exotic green apple, tropical hints and bruised peach aroma. Rich, unctuous and concentrated palate which is exotic and expressive with a definite fruit sweetness and bolstered by residual sugar. Alc: 12%. Drink 2011-13. (16.5 points)
Land of Hope, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Exotic quince, green apple, fruit salad, blossom, spice, baked apple and cinnamon aromas. Well-balancced wine with good concentration and some leesy, yeasty notes. Soft and easy caramelised notes on the persistent finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (16.5 points)
£16.95 (2008) Green & Blue Fine Wine, London SE22 (020 8693 9250), Robersons, London W14 (020 7371 2121)
KWV, Classic Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Fresh, delicately aromatic nose of pear drops, citrus, flowers and apple sweets. Good texture with floral, apple fruit flavour, some creaminess and hints of minerality. Sleek, intense, complex and balanced. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (16.5 points)
£6.19-6.99 SA Wines Online, London SW19 (0845 456 2365), Thierry’s Wine Services, Hants (01794 507 100)
Boschendal, Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region 2010
Minerals, honey, pineapple, cream, coconut, melon and a herbaceous nose. Good, tight and concentrated with a nice punch in the centre. Long and restrained with a kiss of oak. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (16.63 points)
KWV, Cathedral Cellar, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2009
Spice, pear purée, caramelised apple, pineapple, barrel fermentation and coconut aroma. Complex, rich, round texture with fresh acidity balance and length. A rich and compelling wine. Alc: 14%. DRink 2011-12. (16.5 points)
Perdeberg Winery, Rex Equus, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2008
Lifted and complex notes of honey, toffee, butterscotch brioche and perfumed red fruit. Rich, complex palate with well-integrated spicy oak, zesty acidity and a lush texture. Very well done. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011. (16.5 points)
n/a UK www.perdeberg.co.za
Simonsig, Chenin Blanc Avec Chene, Stellenbosch 2009
Restrained cream barrel-fermented aroma with passion fruit, melon and apple. Sleek wine with lots of new oak, yet balanced by ripe fruit and minerality. Very long. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (16.67 points)
n/a UK www.simonsig.co.za
Springfontein, Terroir Selection, Unfiltered Chenin Blanc, Walker Bay 2009
Citrus, herbs, oak, honeysuckle, peach and nutmeg perfume. Delicate spicy oak with lemon curd, stone fruit and apple notes. Really nice balance and texture. Lovely length. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (16.67 points)
Lourensford Wines, Matumi, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Big, ripe, floral, zesty nose with pear, peach skin, citrus and tropical fruit. Off-dry palate wtih lots of tropical fruit flavour and an attractive layer of minerals. Compact, long, food-friendly style. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (16.67 points)
Tierhoek, Chenin Blanc, Piekenierskloof 2009
Rich, ripe green apple, pear, grape skins, melon, quince and a mineral bouquet. Restrained, elegant style with good natural freshness, smooth texture and balance. Full and complex effort with drive and concentration. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (17.38 points)
Perdeberg Winery, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2010
Vibrant aroma of cream, smoke, pears, peach and green fruit - cool-climate style. Refreshing acidity lifts the palate. Nice creamy weight and a long finish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.25 points)
n/a UK www.perdeberg.co.za
A A Badenhorst Family Wines, Secateurs, Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2010
Crunchy yellow fruit, lime, flowers and citrus nose. Good depth of lemon fruit with earthy minerality. Good concentration and structure - will improve with age. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.25 points)
Nederburg Wines, Bush Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region 2009
Lemon, ginger, vanilla, apple compote and mango aromas. Full-on palate with decent acidity, lemon meringue and savoury fruit. Complex mandarin finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (15.17 points)
Orange River Cellars, Chenin Blanc, Northern Cape 2010
Light pear drop, grapefruit and apple aroma. Lively and zingy with high acidity, apple and peach flavours and fine texture. Structured, mouthwatering wine. Alc: 11.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.17 points)
Dornier, Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2010
Zesty citrus fruit, apple, pear, quince and nettle bouquet. Fresh, appley, salty and citrussy with noticeable oak which hasn't quite married yet. Good length. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
n/a UK www.dornier.co.za
Dekker's Valley, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2010
Apple, lanolin, earth, stoney minerals, cut grass and green crunchy fruit. A quaffer in a French style with a round, soft texture, green apple and lanolin flavours. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (15.4 points)
Kaapzicht, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Tarragon, cream and ripe melon aroma. Crisp, ripe, full wine with apple hints, some lees and good minerality. Quite a neutral style with good balance. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Peaks View, Chenin Blanc, Wellington 2010
Pear drops, quince, citrus, creamy, savoury notes and heady floral perfume. Good breadth of flavour with concentration, a core of acidity and a warm finish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Bellingham, The Old Orchards, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2009
Melon, apple, mineral and distinct, toasty French oak. Fresh barrel-fermented style whcih is still young but balanced. Has a tangy marmalade finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.38 points)
n/a UK www.dgb.co.za
Graham Beck, Bowed Head, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2009
Cream, smoke, toasty oak and spice. Opulent, mouthfilling style with plenty of concentration, a crisp texture and a long, buttery, nutty finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15.13 points)
n/a UK www.grahambeckwines.co.za
Allee Bleue, Chenin Blanc, Walker Bay 2010
Smoke, mineral, caramelised figs, fruit salad, nuts and toast. A funky, interesting style with savoury lees and nutty oxidative notes. Good underlying freshness. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.38 points)
n/a UK www.alleebleue.com
Meerendal, Chenin Blanc, Durbanville 2008
Spice, yellow fruit, botrytis and hazelnut nose. Soft, fine and restrained with a powerful balance and complexity. It is seamless, well-integrated and long. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011. (15.4 points)
£11.99 www.kandlwinesonline.co.uk
Villiera, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Flowers, wax, green apple, spice, honey and mineral aromas. Nicely weighted, youthful palate with juicy, succulent pineapple fruit and a honeyed finish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.5 points)
Springfontein, Jil's Dune, Unfiltered Chenin Blanc, Walker Bay 2009
Ripe banana, caramelised apricot confit and melon nose. Rich, ripe, oaky style: lush, big, flashy and exotic. Needs time to come together. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15.67 points)
Windmeul, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2009
Apple, pears, cut grass, honeysuckle, minerals and citrus nose. Well made with sweet and sour pineapple flavour. Juicy and spicy with a good balance. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011. (16.33 points)
n/a UK www.signaturebrands.co.za
Alliance Wine, McGregor Chenin Blanc, Robertson 2010
Passion fruit, sherbet bon bons and green melon aroma. Ripe, full flavour with lots of good fruit, structure and length. A serious wine. Alc: 12.5%. Drink 2011. (15.67 points)
Ken Forrester Wines, Petit, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Tropical and stone fruit, chalky minerals and honeysuckle floral perfume. Rich, sweet and sour wine with zesty acidity produced in a commercial style. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16.33 points)
Cederberg, Five Generations, Chenin Blanc, Cederberg 2009
Quince, melon, baked apples, caramelised figs and cedary oak. Very long, broad and intense with fresh acidity, noticeable oak and a poised finish. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16.38 points)
Slowine, Chenin Blanc, Overberg 2010
Fresh, juicy peach, tropcial fruit, nettle, wet stone, pear and apple nose. Attractive palate with a mineral core, lovely balance and an earthy finish. Very long. Alc: 12.8%. Drink 2011-13. (15.67 points)
Perdeberg Winery, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2010
Cream, smoke, citrus, blossom and French oak on the nose. Ripe mango palate with well-judged spicy oak. Just enough concentration wtih juicy acidity. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.67 points)
n/a UK www.perdeberg.co.za
Cape First Wines, Makana Reserve Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Dried herbs, minerals, apple, lemon and pear aromas. Well made with a slight grip from skin contact. Touch of vanilla on the herbal, green apple and fennel flavours. Alc: 12%. Drink 2011-14. (15.67 points)
£5.99-6.77 www.everywine.co.uk, www.oldbutcherswinecellar.co.uk
Fleur du Cap, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Leaf, honeysuckle, apples, citrus and pear nose. Attractive complex palate which mirrors the nose, with lively acidity and a long finish with residual sugar. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (15.67 points)
Tormentoso, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2010
Herbs, waxy green apples, sweet vanilla oak, passion fruit and grapefruit nose. Oak is dominant now but bright citrus fruit beneath. Good complexity. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.67 points)
£9.99 www.slurp.co.uk ( 020 7624 8614), Swig, London W4 (0800 0272 272)
Cederberg, Waitrose Foundation, Chenin Blanc, Cederberg 2009
Earth, moss, spicy, nettle and fresh zesty aromas. Crisp, green juicy fruit palate with a touch of dusty minerals. The cooler end of the Chenin spectrum but good. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (15.5 points)
Mulderbosch, Small Change, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Apple, lime, white truffle, vanilla and pretty floral nose. Super floral palate with jasmine, orange peel character. Ripe weight of crisp, sweet and sour fruit. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011. (15.63 points)
Fairview, Chenin Blanc, Darling 2010
Grapefruit, lemon verbena, citrus and honey nose. Good uplifting style with intense citrus and pear fruit and clean acidity. Very long, fresh and characterful. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (15.5 points)
Kleine Zalze, Vineyard Selection, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2010
Crunchy green apple, sweet hay, camomile, quince, honey and spice nose. Attractive, full and textured with a slightly confected character and a long length. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011. (15.5 points)
KWV, The Mentors, Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region 2008
Evolved, ripe, vivid nose with butter, old oak, ginger and savoury notes. Well-made with with full, fat fruit and a very long floral length. Drink up soon. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (15.5 points)
Signal Cannon, Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2009
Green apple sweets, chalk, honey, minerals, orange peel and floral perfume. Round, balanced and supple with an orange cordial character and a nice texture. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (15.5 points)
False Bay, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Ripe apricot, leaf, cinnamon, marzipan, pear, apple skin and chalk bouquet. Dry, crisp wine with a creamy texture and lots of upfront fruit. Elegant finish. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-13. (16.33 points)
Koelenhof Wynkelder, Koelenbosch, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Pear, honey, melon, quince, apricot, toasted marshmallow, marzipan, pineapple and orange nose. Exotic full-on style with lots of oak and balancing acidity. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011. (16.33 points)
n/a UK www.koelenhof.co.za
Morgenhof Wine Estate, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Minerals, cut grass, honeysuckle, tropical fruit and oak nose. Young and dense with lovely freshness. Elegant style with a savoury leesy undertone. Good length. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (16.33 points)
Fort Simon, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2008
Jasmine, minerals, honey, lemon curd, bananas and Golden Delicious apple nose. Rich, ripe and opulent with juicy baked apple, honey, lemon and ginger palate. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (16.38 points)
Arniston Bay, Bushvine Selection, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Sweet tropical fruit, vanilla, coconut, ripe peach, baked apple and herb nose. Dense, concentrated palate anchored by oak and good underlying freshness. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.88 points)
Indaba, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Melon, cut grass, herbs, honesuckle, mineral, citrus and tropcial nose. Attractive freshness on this round, soft and well-focused wine with a good texture. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (16.25 points)
Kanu, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Crunchy green apples, nuts, sulphur, zesty grapefruit and a minerally bouquet and palate with tangy complexity. Very fresh and attractive. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011. (16 points)
£6.99 www.kibworthwines.co.uk, www.palacedrinks.co.uk, Wine Direct, London EC1 (0845 066 1122)
Groot Parys, Die Tweede Droom, Spontane Gisting, Unwooded Chenin Blanc, Paarl 2010
Ripe Cox apples, pears, lemon curd, buttermilk, plum and floral bouquet. A pretty wine with a lively, balanced structure, fresh acidity and floral fruit. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (16 points)
n/a UK www.grootparys.co.za
Bergsig Wine Estate, White River, Chenin Blanc, Breedekloof 2010
Ripe soft tropical fruit, cut grass, mineral nose. Very honeyed, peachy palate with a silky texture and well-balanced acidity. Nice length. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (16 points)
Diemersfontein, Carpe Diem, Chenin Blanc, Wellington 2009
Apple, vanilla, peach, lanolin, earth, lemon and melon aroma. Round palate with tropical and citrus fruit, vanilla oak and balancing grapefruit acidity. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16 points)
£10.69-14.21 St Marcus Fine Foods, London SW15 (020 8878 1898)
Riebeek Cellars, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2008
Complex aroma of toast, yellow fruit, spice, baked apples and nuts. Sleek, ripe and integrated. Good intensity, nice texture and fine balance. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (16.33 points)
Mulderbosch, Steen Op Hout, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Honey blossom, yellow fruit and lanolin nose. Fresh, vegetal, honey and apple flavours with a touch of peach. Good texture; good all-rounder. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011. (16.25 points)
Foot of Africa, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Lemon, honey, herbs, pear skin and leaf aromas. Rich, slightly off-dry palate with pleasing ripe fruit giving it a comfortable weight. Long flavoursome finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011. (16 points)
Six Hats, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Cut grass, minerals, flowers, green melon and citrus bouquet. Gentle palate with a good balance of fragrant fruit, texture and incisive acidity. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (16.33 points)
Jean Daneel, Signature, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2009
Cinnamon, spiced apples, toasty oak, raisins, cookie dough and honey nose. Vibrant and bright with a good length. Young and tight but has plenty beneath. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16.13 points)
Rickety Bridge, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Wax, incense, green apple. papaya, flowers and savoury aromas. An attractive wine with a real interest. Powdery with some residual sugar. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.83 points)
Cederberg, Chenin Blanc, Cederberg 2010
Fresh nose of grapefruit and sweaty Sauvignon Blanc-like savoury notes. Zesty palate which is lively with tight citrus acidity and penetrating fruit. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (16 points)
Leopard Frog, Spellbinding, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
Oxidative, lanolin, herbs, lemon peel, old wood, yeast, Sherry and spice on the nose. Full and round palate showing the same notes. Complex, artisanal effort. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (16 points)
n/a UK www.leopard-frog.com
Takulu, Fairtrade Chenin Blanc, Groenekloof 2010
Confected notes, citrus, chalk and apple bouquet. Very simple, with an extremely sweet confected character but finishes well with earthy, leafy notes. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Du Toitskllof, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2009
Dry, complex, citrus, apple, pear, mandarin, clove and herbal nose. Very intensely juicy palate with balanced fruit and acidity and a vibrant, long finish. Alc: 12%. Drink 2011-12. (16 points)
£5.99 Hard to Find Wines (01743 465005/www.hardtofindwines.co.uk)
Rijk's, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2007
Minerals, green apple, cream soda, sherbet, orange and grapefruit. Very fresh and characterful with good drive and persistence. Rich, broad and sleek. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.83 points)
£15.99 www.everywine.co.uk
Laroche, L'Avenir, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Attractive nuts and grass bouquet. Fresh, balanced and refreshing palate iwth a tropical fruit character. Approachable, fresh and surprisingly long on the finish. Alc: 12.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.75 points)
£17.99 (2009) www.wineandco.com
Riebeek Cellars, Colleciton, Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2010
Green and tropical fruit salad aroma Tangy and fresh commercial style with a touch of honeysuckle and blossom. Pleasant Chenin Blanc character. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Rijk's, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2007
Butter, honey, nuts, quince, flowers, apple and popcorn nose. Spicy, lively palate with intense oak, ginger and baked lemon notes. Long apple purée length. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15.83 points)
£23.99 www.everywine.co.uk
Kleindal, Chenin Blanc, Robertson 2010
Wax, lemon peel, apple and pear aroma. Attractive wine with earthy minerality. It is gently rounded and refreshing. Nicely textured and very drinkable. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-12. (15.83 points)
Schalk Burger & Sons, Meerkat, Chenin Blanc, Wellington 2010
Chalk, bananas, pear, cream soda, apples, honey and apricot nose. Honeyed quince and apricot fruit animated by racy acidity. Round, fresh and textured. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011. (15 points)
Schalk Burger & Sons, Welbedacht, Chenin Blanc, Wellington 2008
Exotic ripe apple, banana, honey, ginger, spice and oak bouquet. Rich peach and apricot fruit palate with good length, texture and balance. Round and unctuous. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Spice Route, Chenin, Western Cape 2010
Simple, fresh aroma of peach and pear drops. A fuller, creamier palate texture than expected with a buttery, confected finish. More than first meets the eye. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Stellar Winery, Moonlight Organics, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Floral, herby, minty, orange, lemon and guave bouquet. Exotic style with tinned passion fruit juice flavours, high acidity and a long length. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
The Winery of Good Hope, Vinum, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2008
Mineral, spicy oak, Cox apple, gooseberry and savoury bouquet. Nice texture and concentration with some spicy oak alongside the apple and citrus fruit. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Spier, Private Collection, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch 2009
Sweet, lifted, honeydew melon, quincy and very dominant French oak nose. Very oaky, concentrated palate; oak just about balanced by freshness and length. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Saronsberg, Dewaldt Heyns, Weathered Hands, Chenin Blanc, Swartland 2009
Toasty oak, nuts, crème brulée, biscuits and spice on the nose. Big, rich, oaked style with a creamy and buttery malolatic edge. Chunky and powerful. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-12. (15 points)
Beaumont, Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2010
Aromatic nose of apples, candles, tropical fruit, citrus and flowers. Elegant palate of similar flavours with a gentle, fresh texture and complex mineral grip. Alc: 13.5%. Drik 2011-12. (15.25 points)
