Jordan Winery (Jardin) Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented

Ok stuff but lacked spark. The winemaker certainly got the sugar out (this was dry! - tough to do with some Chenin) but what was left was simple, a little fruity but not much else. A lot of people who remember some of the early dry groundbreaking Chenins that were made in Sonoma in the early 1970's (and were then pulled out or grafted over to Chardonnay due to underwhelming popularity.....) look to SA today for their fix. This bottling …

Monthly Tasting Group HWS #075; American vs French oak (By MO) : In the bouquet vanilla and some smoke. On the palate peach and pear, melon, pineapple, vanilla and smoke again. Pleasant acidity and a touch of bitterness.

Monthly Tasting Group HWS #071; 14 Chenin Blanc plus 4 Pinotage (By AH & UG) : Beautiful bouquet with smoky minerals and white fruits like pear and melon as well as some asparagus. On the palate the same impressions, a lot of tart grapefruit, mango, banana and orange peel. Pleasant bitterness in the finish. A very pleasant and refreshing wine.

Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc Tasting (Villeira) : (Tasted Blind, Short notes walkaround): Pale lemon. Ripe Willaims pear, Gala apple puree and fresh white grapefruit with a dollop of cream make for a fresh, lively wine that shows some toasty oak. Fairly straightforward on the palate the fruit seems a little more muted than the nose but it is vibrant and energetic if a bit short.