Sadie Family Wines, Citrudal Mountain (Olifants River, South Africa) Chenin Blanc 2020

 The full glory of fine South African Chenin Blanc is on display in the 2020 Sadie Family Skurfberg Chenin Blanc.  The 60+-year-old Chenin Blanc vines are farmed on decomposed sandstone soils in the Citrusdal Mountain Wine of Origin and yield small quantities of high-quality fruit.  The wine undergoes a slow fermentation and was aged on its lees for 12 months in old oak casks.  The 2020 vintage of Skurfberg is impressive for its purity, rich texture, layered complexity and sheer delicious character.  The nose is forward and appealing with scents of ripe pear, pineapple, peach, yellow apple, honeysuckle and orange zest.  On the palate, layers of luscious pear, peach and pineapple fruits are enhanced by subtle hints of herbs and cream.  The rich and creamy texture of the Skurfberg reflects the high quality of the fruit and the benefits of careful sur lie aging.  The finish lingers beautifully.  This is an outstanding example of top-class South African Chenin Blanc that can compare with Chenin from anywhere on the globe.  It will cellar well for another 5 to 8 years and beyond.