Self-proclaimed misfits of the wine industry, Black Elephant Vintners & Co. was founded by Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu, and Jacques Wetnzel after all three left their previous jobs to start their own winery. At the winery’s tasting room, each wine is paired with a specific song on individual headphones – music is the winery’s preferred wine pairing choice. The Power of Love Chenin Blanc’s fruit ranges from pear and grapefruit zest to lychee and pineapple. On the body, a touch of sourdough and butterscotch round out the flavors and provide extra complexity and body. The lees aging notes on are a nice change from the Chenin Blanc’s traditional zippy profile. Personally, I enjoy the winery’s pairing recommendation: Jimmy Hendrix.
Black Elephant Vintners, Swartland (Western Cape, South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2023
By Vince Simmon