Standard - 75cl
ETA: 1-2 weeks
"A picture of the Cape" is how Franco Lourens describe this pan-regional cuvée of six different varieties, dominated by Chenin Blanc with back up from 48% Verdelho, Colombard, Grenache Blanc, Palomino and Malvasía. Showing some structure from partial skin contact, it has quince, yellow apple and subtle stone fruit flavours and a chiselled, mouth-watering finish. 2023-27
52% Chenin Blanc, 27% Verdelho, 13% Colombar, 5% Grenache Blanc (five days skin contact) and 3% Palomino sourced variously from Piekenierskloof, Stellenbosch and Voor-Paardeberg. Matured for 10 months in old 300- and 500-litre barrels. Some floral perfume before stone fruit, orange, spice and a little waxy character on the nose while the palate has good fruit weight, moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. A wine with a subtle oxidative quality, nicely tangy with a little bit of phenolic grip.
The 2022 White Blend Linda Carien is whole bunch pressed and sees five days' skin contact before aging in oak. The well-defined nose has white peach, Conference pear and touches of fern, the combination of white varieties working well together. The palate is well-balanced with a slightly oily texture on the entry, fresh and focused, a more tactile wine than one with flavors that jump out at you. Clever, nuanced winemaking here.