David & Nadia Plat'bos Chenin Blanc 2024

The David & Nadia 2024 Swartland Plat'bos Chenin Blanc, meaning “flat bush,” is sourced from 5.5 hectares interplanted on R99 rootstock and carefully sorted to preserve clonal identity. Only 100 meters from neighboring Skaliekop, Plat'bos presents a markedly more mineral and saline profile. With a pH around 3.0–3.1 (a hallmark for age-worthy Chenin Blanc) its tight linear shape is defined by tension and clarity. Bone-dry fermentation without commercial yeast highlights the wine's elegant citrusy fruit tones and its saline finish. The sandy granite soils amplify its crystalline precision and smoky edges.

The 2024 Chenin Blanc Plat'bos is the first parcel picked. This has a taciturn bouquet at first, but opens with light beeswax and wet wool scents. The palate is taut and fresh, a linear Chenin with grapefruit and tangy orange rind notes towards the finish. Very fine, but it's unapologetically not a crowd pleaser.