Longridge, Stellenbosch (South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2017

 The full glory of fine South African Chenin Blanc is on display in the 2017 Longridge Ou Steen Chenin Blanc.  The fruit for this wine was sourced from a small vineyard site with decomposed granite soils on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.  The 38-year-old Chenin Blanc vines are farmed biodynamically and yield small quantities of high-quality fruit.  The wine was aged on its lees for 10 to 12 months in large, neutral barrels.  The 2017 vintage of Ou Steen is impressive for its purity, layered complexity and sheer deliciousness.  The nose is forward and appealing with scents of ripe pear, guava, yellow apple, honeysuckle, peach and orange zest.  On the palate, layers of luscious pear, peach, orange and pineapple fruits are enhanced by subtle hints of herbs and cream.  There is a touch of residual sugar, but it is balanced perfectly by the refreshing acidity.  The rich and creamy texture of the Ou Steen reflects the high quality of the fruit and the benefits of careful sur lie aging.  This is an outstanding example of top-class South African Chenin Blanc.  It will cellar well for another 8 to10 years.