Avondale, Paarl (Western Cape, South Africa) 2020

 This is once again a fabulous value white wine!  Jonty’s Ducks Pekin White is a superb Chenin Blanc-based wine from the Paarl appellation in South Africa.  The Chenin is enhanced by small amounts of Roussanne, Viognier and Semillon.  The vines are grown organically and are guarded by a flock of ducks which have a taste for the snails that can damage the vines.  The 2020 Jonty’s Ducks Chenin Blanc is partly aged in large oak barrels and gains complexity from extended lees aging.  The wine is a concentrated, pure and exciting white that expresses the breadth and depth of fine South African Chenin.  The nose is forward and complex with scents of ripe pear, Meyer lemon, honeysuckle, pineapple, vanilla and lemon zest.  On the palate the layers of luscious pear, citrus, and tropical fruits are interwoven hints of peach, vanilla and spice.  The rich and creamy texture of the wine reflects the high quality of the fruit.  It has the depth and complexity of wines that cost twice as much.