Badenhorst, Swartland (South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2017

 I taste this wine every year, and always brace myself for a downturn in quality, as it seems impossible that it could be so outstanding vintage after vintage.  Yet, the downturn just never happens, and the 2017 is a stellar wine.  It shows quite good density on the palate, with stone fruit and ripe apple flavors, yet it is also very energetic and nimble, with excellent acidity that freshens the finish and invites sip after sip.  Very few white wines from anywhere in the world can match this for versatility at the table or sheer deliciousness.