2024 Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

12.5% alcohol. This is concentrated and has lots of flavour, but it’s also a fresh wine with a nice salty twist to the lively lemon and pear fruit, as well as a slight touch of baked apple. There’s a really nice fresh, floral, mandarin edge to the nose that’s quite inviting, and it finishes with a nice acid flourish. A brilliantly poised example of Chenin Blanc.

93 points Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak

Radford Dale was founded in Stellenbosch in 1998 by Ben Radford and British born winemaker Alex Dale, with a philosophy that pushed against the bigger, more heavily worked South African wines fashionable at the time. Alex championed freshness, site and minimal intervention, helping shape the modern Cape style. Vinum is the wonderfully accessible end of the range, and Chenin Blanc is exactly the grape you want to see there.

Chenin has been grown in South Africa for centuries and is arguably the Cape’s most exciting white variety. Stellenbosch sunshine gives the 2024 plenty of ripe fruit, while cooling breezes from False Bay help preserve acidity. Radford Dale keeps the style dry and energetic, allowing Chenin’s natural combination of orchard fruit, citrus, texture and gentle savouriness to take centre stage rather than burying it beneath oak.

Pale straw gold with green flashes. Quince, yellow apple and white peach lead into lemon and pear, followed by honeysuckle and a little fresh ginger. Almond, beeswax and a subtle stony note add complexity. The palate has lovely texture without becoming heavy, with orchard fruit and citrus carried by bright, mouthwatering acidity. Quince, lemon peel and fresh almond linger through a dry, gently savoury finish.

Cape Malay spiced kingfish with turmeric, ginger and coconut would be delicious alongside, while grilled prawns with lime, crab cakes, roast cauliflower with tahini or sweetcorn fritters with avocado give it plenty of other options. Chenin is a wonderfully accommodating dinner companion, particularly when a little spice wanders onto the plate.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.