M-A-N Family Wines, Coastal Region (South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2021

 This wine has — over the past three or so vintages — risen to a quality level at which it now rivals three other South African Chenin Blancs as contenders for the World’s Best White Wine Value (the other three being Raats Family “Original,” Ken Forrester “Petit Chenin” and, though it has crept up in price a bit, Badenhorst “Secateurs”).  In 2021 this has impressive physical substance and viscosity, yet somehow remains light on its feet thanks to excellent acidity — one of Chenin’s inherent virtues.  Although very slightly sweet-seeming with a suggestion of wild honey in both the aromas and flavors, this is not a sweet wine, thanks to its balance and the presence of lovely stone fruit and citrus flavors.  Terrific as a sipper but terrific with lots of foods at the table (including but not limited to spicy ones), this is indisputably one of the best buys of the year in 2022.