Noble Hill, Simonsberg-Paarl (Coastal Region, South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2022

 Chenin Blanc is king of South Africa with more plantings than any other grape variety, or cultivar if you are using the South African-preferred term. Noble Hill’s team is softening Chenin Blanc’s naturally bright acidity through the sur lie method — stirring up the dead yeast left over from fermentation as the wine ages before bottling.  The resulting wine presents bruised pear and apple but also fresh nectarine, sourdough, and honeysuckle.  From their regenerative and organic farming practices to their traditional minimalist winemaking process, Noble Hill makes some incredible wines that show quality and elegance.