The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 - Bellingham

Wine of Origin South Africa, Coastal Region.

The Cape Town vineyard, with its cool climate, forms the main component of the wine, while the 2 remaining vineyards are located in the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch. These vines are grown in predominantly granitic soils exposed to the elements and shaped by ocean breezes from nearby Table Bay and False Bay.

«Heritage Vineyards» certified wine: the grapes for this famous wine come from 3 exceptional Chenin Blanc vineyards planted in 1971, 1982 and 1983.
When it comes to wines from ancient vines, it is the vineyards that make the wines and not the winemaker. The Bellingham winemaker therefore uses an absolutely natural and non-invasive method, allowing the terroir to express itself naturally and without interference. The harvest takes place in two phases. The first component of the collection is intended to influence olfactory perceptions and ferments naturally in Foudre, concrete tanks and amphorae. The riper harvest ferments naturally in 300 liter oak barrels, 30% of which are new, and helps create the structure of the wine on the palate. After fermentation, the wine is subjected to battonage monthly for approximately 10 months. Subsequently the components are mixed and bottled.

Wine Enthusiast: 90/100;
Wine & Spirits Magazine: 91/100;
Tim Atkin: 93/100;
Decanter: 89/100;
Cellar Tracker: 89/100;
International Wine Challenge: Bronze;
International Wine & Spirits Competition: Bronze;
Mundus Vini: Silver;
Hong Kong IWSC: Best Chenin Blanc 2023 - Gold;
Michelangelo: Gold;
The Trophy Wine Show: Bronze;
Veritas: Gold.