2024 Rustenberg Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch

Chopped apples, peaches and lemons on the nose of this very fresh, creamy white. It’s medium- to full-bodied with juicy stone-fruit character. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.

90 points jamessuckling.com

Rustenberg Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, is a classic South African white that showcases both the heritage of Chenin Blanc in the Cape and the distinctive terroir of one of Stellenbosch’s most historic estates. Rustenberg’s roots stretch back to the late seventeenth century, making it one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, set on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg. These vineyards benefit from decomposed granite soils and cooling afternoon breezes that flow down from the mountain, giving Chenin Blanc natural freshness, texture and balance. Rustenberg has long been known for wines that are generous yet disciplined, and their Chenin Blanc is a perfect expression of that house style.

Pale straw in colour with a faint golden hue, the wine opens with inviting aromas of yellow apple, pear and quince, layered with citrus peel, honeysuckle and a gentle almond note. The palate is medium bodied and textural, offering ripe orchard fruit supported by bright acidity and a subtle savoury edge. There is a quiet richness through the mid palate without heaviness, finishing clean and gently mineral with lingering stone fruit and citrus notes. This is a wonderfully versatile food wine, pairing effortlessly with roast chicken, pork, grilled seafood, spicy Cape Malay dishes and creamy vegetable based plates. Drinking beautifully in its youth for its freshness and fruit purity, it will also reward short term cellaring over three to five years as it gains extra depth and complexity.