On colour
Villion Wines – Hening Chenin Blanc 2023 pours a bright, medium lemon hue with youthful green glints that underline its freshness and cool-climate origin. The clarity is brilliant, suggesting careful handling and a wine that is likely to retain its vibrancy for a few more years in bottle.
On the nose
The nose opens with ripe yellow stone fruit, led by peach and apricot, layered with nuances of quince and a touch of honeyed citrus zest. Subtle notes of saline oyster shell, crushed stone, and gentle vanilla and cinnamon spice hint at spontaneous oak fermentation and time on lees, adding complexity and a faint flinty edge.
On the palate
The palate is dry with a light to medium body, showing a mouth-filling yet finely etched texture driven by dried peach and baked quince flavours supported by lively, tangy acidity. A distinct saline, almost oystershell character runs through the mid-palate, framed by flinty minerality and a chalky pithiness that lengthens the finish and reflects the concentration of old-vine fruit.
On the whole
A finely poised, saline and stone-fruited Cape South Coast Chenin Blanc with flinty complexity and a lingering, chalk-dusted finish.
Delightful already but will reward amply with a richer experience within the next 5 -15 years.
Limited Production:
Only 2980 bottles produced.
