David and Nadia’s wines epitomise what makes South African Chenin Blanc so special. With a dedicated focus on old-vine Chenin and Grenache Noir, they create wines of purity from 100% dryland farmed bush vines, grown in their beloved Swartland region.
The 95-point Aristargos 2022 is ‘a wine of finesse’, writes Christian Eedes. It’s a nine-variety blend based on old-vine Chenin Blanc, fermented and matured in a concrete egg, and the components come from a staggering 18 different vineyards. Complex and layered, this signature white blend needs a year or so to settle in bottle.
The star of this release is their 2022 Chenin Blanc. From old vines, with plantings ranging from 1968 to 1986, it is ‘textured and substantial’, says Christian. This extraordinary wine hails from eight vineyards, 19 pickings, different soils and aspects, and is farmed by various people. Both whites are true reflections of the Swartland.
Despite their ‘most challenging vintage (2022) to date’, these brilliant releases have been achieved by strategically reducing their crop by up to 25%, an increased hands-on focus in the vineyards, multiple pickings, and tiny batch vinification. This has culminated in greater precision and, above all, fruit purity.
David and Nadia’s commitment to Grenache sees a continual planting of younger vineyards. As always, the Grenache 2022 is light-footed, with rose petal spice and ethereal perfume. Since release, it has been a touchstone for refined South African Grenache.
The Elpidios 2021 is 50% Grenache, infused with the electric energy of the great 2021 vintage. This is their take on an authentic Swartland red. Produced from granitic soils, natural fermentation and raised in concrete and old French oak, it shines with vivid fruit and layered detail.
Due to scarcity and demand, the single vineyards are sold on allocation only.
Tasting Notes:
‘47% Chenin Blanc, 11% Semillon, 9% Verdelho, 7% Clairette Blanche, 7% Roussanne, 6% Grenache Blanc, 6% Marsanne, 5% Colombar and 2% Viognier. Subtle and elusive aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, hay and flowers while the palate has great fruit expression and bright acidity, the finish lightly grippy. Taut and detailed, a wine of finesse if not quite the same intensity as the previous vintage. Alc: 12.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2022
‘Grapes from various old-vine sites. Some reduction before peach, citrus and hay. Good depth of fruit and well-integrated acidity – as with many examples of Swartland Chenin from this vintage, this wine is textured and substantial even at low alcohol, 12.5% in this instance.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
David & Nadia Grenache Noir 2022
‘Grapes from four vineyards located across the Swartland, differing amounts of whole-bunch fermentation used for the various parcels but on average 50%. The nose is shy with traces of cranberry, rose and dried herbs. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100
‘54% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 13% Carignan, 1% Pinotage and 1% Cinsaut. Red and black berries, lavender, fynbos and white pepper on the nose while the palate is medium-bodied with lovely fruit purity, fresh acidity and powdery tannins – good structure and length, another convincing argument for the merits of this vintage.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
