Mullineux, Swartland (South Africa) Old Vine Chenin Blanc “Kloof Street” 2023 ($22, Skurnik)

The 2023 Mullineux Kloof Street Old-Vine Chenin Blanc is outstanding! Many consumers have identified South African Chenin Blancs as some of the best fine wine values in the world and the Kloof Street bottling shows why. Swartland is a broad region that extends north from Capetown. The relatively dry climate and difficult growing conditions here yield wines with concentration and depth. The Kloof Street Chenin is drawn from three Swartland vineyards on both shale and decomposed granite soils. The Mullineux Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin Blanc has an intriguing bouquet of ripe pear, apple, tropical fruit, honey and citrus. On the palate, the pure apple, pear, citrus and pineapple fruit flavors are followed by hints of citrus peel and subtle herbs. All these nuances are enhanced by a rich texture and the subtle herb and spice tones that linger at the finish.
93 Wayne Belding