de Trafford, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc Tasting (Stellenbosch) : (Tasted Blind): A light gold colour towards hints of bronze, indicating some maturity. The nose clearly shows evolution with distinct honey and botrytis notes. A touch of volatile acidity becomes apparent upon swirling, accompanied by hints of cola and smoke. The palate enters has a more pronounced fruitiness although it has seen better days with signs of tiredness and a touch of oxidation. It doesn’t have those telltale honeyed notes one picks up on …

Good but marred by too much oak. Shame really as it's great in many ways. Balance, weight and character are all there.

Some darkening in colour. Gently oaked nose with some wet wool. Quite full in the mouth; and weighty without being heavy. Balanced too. No hurry with these at all. Nice.