Hoe-Steen, Chenin Blanc, Swartland, 2025

The Chenin that arguably made their name, Hoë-Steen (meaning High-Chenin) is an old vineyard planted in 1968 just west of Malmesbury towards Darling. The soils are a deep, red iron clay. South facing, it is late ripening and benefits from constant winds which have contributed to the gnarly shape of the vines. The 2022 was picked in three tranches, hand sorted, whole bunch pressed and matured in old French oak barrels for a year. Deeper golden fruits delivered with beautiful clarity and a vibrant, fine acid driven, which offsets the vintage’s inherent power. Super impressive, white peach, pistachio and honey with blossom. With time in the glass, notes of hop and herb begin to intermingle. Broad, bold and beautiful. Old Vine Project certified. 2,000bts produced.