These are some of the finest white wines we have tasted this year. David and Nadia are not only masters of Chenin but also of their beloved Swartland region, and it’s impossible to overstate the outstanding quality of their 2025s. A step up from any previous release, these wines represent the best of old-vine Chenin and Grenache Noir from 100% dryland bush vines.
The 98-point Aristargos 2025 is brimming with energy and has extraordinary length. A 6-variety, Chenin-led blend from 13 different vineyards, it’s a wine of ‘exceptional refinement’, says Christian Eedes.
For us, the 2025 Chenin is the highlight of the release. Hailing from 9 different vineyards, 24 pickings, and plantings from 1968 to 1986, this 97-pointer is ‘rich without excess’ and ‘creamy without heaviness’ (Christian Eedes). The 2025 ‘unfolds in layered fashion before a long, persistent finish’, showing both power and precision.
The 95-point 2025 Grenache is unlike anything they’ve produced before, with ‘more gravitas’, agree David and Nadia. Still perfumed, yet darker in colour with intensity and finesse in spades, it’s a must for Grenache enthusiasts.
Last year’s Elpidios was so impressive we weren’t sure how it could get better, but it has! The 2024 is ‘very satisfying’, writes Eedes, scoring it 95 points. A Grenache-based blend that’s slow to unfurl but becomes moreish with time in the glass, it’s aged for 18 months in bottle before release and captures the Swartland’s sunny fruit and savoury complexity.
This is a superb set of wines – and the vintage to stock up on.
Tasting Notes:
‘54% Chenin Blanc, 12% Semillon, 10% Marsanne, 9% Roussanne, 8% Clairette Blanche, 7% Colombard. Small amount of skin contact. Matured for 11 months, 80% in old oak, 20% in concrete. The nose is profound in its detail, showing white, green and yellow fruit, herbs, spice and a subtle flinty reduction. The palate is remarkable for its poise, combining concentrated fruit with vibrant acidity, the finish long, savoury and persistent. Complex, technically accurate and intellectually engaging, this is a white blend of exceptional refinement.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100 | Distinctive
David & Nadia Chenin Blanc 2025
‘From nine vineyards, planting dates ranging from 1968 to 1986, the core of the wine from the Paardeberg. Matured for 11 months, 79% in old oak and 21% in concrete. The nose is complex and expressive, revealing citrus, stone fruit, hay and herbs. The palate combines impressive fruit depth with fresh, balancing acidity. Rich without excess, creamy without heaviness, it unfolds in layered fashion before a long, persistent finish. A wine of both power and precision, and thoroughly convincing. Alc: 13%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Classic
David & Nadia Grenache Noir 2025
‘From three different vineyards, two on the Paardeberg and one west of Malmesbury. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. 71% fermented and matured in concrete, 29% in old 500-litre barrels. Evocative aromatics of musk, cranberry, pomegranate and black cherry. More powerful and riper than previous vintages, but to the wine’s benefit, with generous fruit weight, moderate acidity and powdery tannins before a gently savoury finish. Super-tasty. Alc: 14.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Delicious
‘48% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 13% Carignan, 12% Pinotage, 8% Cinsault. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in a combination of concrete and old oak. The nose offers an enticing mix of red and black berries, olive, fynbos, lavender and black pepper. The palate is generous yet poised, with impressive fruit density, vibrant acidity and grippy but well-managed tannins. Full of flavour and very satisfying. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Serious
