Perhaps the most open-knit and waxy of the lineup, the 2022 Skaliekop Chenin Blanc displays breadth, but it doesn’t have the same depth as previous vintages. The palate is slightly clipped with a medium-bodied expression and offers a spicy, mineral essence before ending with a rocky, mineral-laced finish. It should go at least 10 years, maybe longer.

Full bottle 1,339 g. The vines were planted in 1985 in very shallow shale soils in the Paardeberg, being an anomaly as the mountain is granite-driven. These soils demonstrate why Swartland is known for wheat farms as shale remains a difficult soil for vines in a warm region in a dry-land farming context. A narrow tractor road divides the Plat’bos and Skaliekop vineyards. Skaliekop was harvested mid February on two picking dates. The wine was fermented and aged separately for 11 months in old neutral French oak barrels before blending and then bottling at the end of the year. This wine qualifies for the Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal and forms part of the Old Vine Project. Total production 2,505 bottles. RS is a smidgeon higher than the other single-vineyard wines at 2.8 g/l. Still quite youthful and restrained on the nose. But then there's a slight, welcome hint of coconut on the front palate. Lime flavours and quite a substantial mid palate despite the low alcohol. This is already approachable. Long and vibrant. Tense finish but a broad spread of fruit initially. (JR)