Four generations of Steytlers have been custodians of this special site for almost eight decades. Today, it is one of the oldest Chenin Blanc vineyards in the country. It’s deeply connected to our history and our home, making it impossible to mimic. The wine exemplifies the tension between generosity and restraint found in Bottelary Chenin Blanc. Originally 6ha in size, only 1.1ha of the very low yielding vineyard remains.
Handpicked, 50% whole-bunch pressed, 50% crushed and de-stemmed (with skin-contact in press).
Natural sedimentation overnight after pressing (light and gentle pressing with maximum pressure of 0.8kpa).
After settling, the wine is racked to 500l barrels for spontaneous fermentation. Fermentation can last between 2–4 weeks. The wine is aged in barrel for 10 months prior to bottling and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Wine Tasting Notes:
On colour
Kaapzicht The Steytler Range “The 1947” Chenin Blanc 2023 is a medium lemon-gold in the glass, with a touch of depth that hints at old-vine concentration and time in oak. The wine appears bright and viscous, suggesting both ripeness and a richly textured style rather than something lean or neutral.
On the nose
On the nose it is pronounced and complex, with wet straw, dusty white citrus and honeyed yellow peach layered over ripe pineapple and hints of fynbos. Spicy top notes mingle with nuances of tangerine peel, naartjie and lychee, giving an exotic, almost confit-like character while still feeling lifted and well-defined.
On the palate
On the palate the wine is dry to off-dry, full-bodied and generously textured, showing concentrated flavours of peach, apricot, pineapple and sweet citrus peel. A plump, glycerol mouthfeel is balanced by well-judged acidity and subtle oak spice, carrying those tangerine, naartjie and lychee notes into a long, opulent yet focused finish.
On the whole
A richly textured old-vine Chenin, combining honeyed stone and tropical fruit with spice, fynbos lift and a long, opulent but finely balanced finish.
| Alcohol |
13.5% |
| Residual sugar |
5g/L |
| Acidity |
5.2g/L |
| Ph Level |
3.51
|
| Region |
Stellenbosch |
| Producer |
Kaapzicht |
