Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc 2023

Kaapzicht The 1947 Chenin Blanc 2023 is crafted from one of South Africa’s most historic Chenin vineyards, planted in 1947 and still dry-farmed today. This is a concentrated, site-driven white wine that showcases the depth and character old bush vines can achieve in the Coastal Region. Produced in very limited quantities, it’s a benchmark Cape Chenin that balances richness, precision and a real sense of place.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, The 1947 Chenin Blanc 2023 shows a bright, medium-gold hue with glints of lemon and straw, hinting at both intensity and freshness. The nose is layered and expressive: ripe quince, yellow apple and pear are woven together with notes of white peach, honeycomb and lemon zest. Subtle undertones of chamomile, toasted almonds, wet stone and gentle oak spice add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet finely poised, with a generous, almost waxy texture lifted by vibrant acidity. Flavours of baked apple, preserved lemon, ripe stone fruit and citrus curd unfold slowly, supported by hints of lanolin, subtle vanilla and a saline, mineral-driven finish. The length is persistent and savoury, suggesting excellent aging potential. Enjoy it now for its energy and purity, or cellar it for 6–10 years to allow more honeyed, nutty nuances to emerge while the texture becomes even more layered.

Production
The 1947 Chenin Blanc comes from a single, heritage vineyard in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape, rooted in decomposed granite and weathered sandstone soils. These old, dry-farmed bush vines are low-yielding, naturally concentrating flavour and structure in the grapes. Harvest is typically done by hand in small crates, with careful bunch selection in the vineyard and sorting again in the cellar to ensure only pristine fruit is used. The grapes are gently pressed, often with a portion of whole bunches, and the juice is allowed to ferment slowly—most commonly in older oak barrels or large foudres—to preserve purity while adding subtle texture. Extended lees contact, with occasional bâtonnage, contributes to the wine’s creamy mouthfeel and complexity, while careful use of oak ensures the focus remains on the vineyard character.

Food & Serving
This Chenin Blanc has the structure and intensity to stand up to richly flavoured dishes while its freshness makes it versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, herb-crusted pork loin, creamy seafood dishes (such as scallops, lobster or prawn risotto), and mildly spiced Asian cuisine. It also complements soft-ripened cheeses and aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly chilled at around 10–12°C; avoid over-chilling, which can mute its aromatics. Decanting for 20–30 minutes before serving can help the wine open up, especially in its youth, revealing extra layers of fruit and minerality.

Producer
Kaapzicht is a family-owned estate in the Bottelary Hills of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region, with roots dating back to 1946. Over generations, the Steytler family has built a reputation for crafting characterful, terroir-expressive wines, with a particular focus on Chenin Blanc and red blends. The estate’s old-vine parcels, including the 1947 Chenin block, are among its greatest treasures and have helped elevate South African Chenin onto the world stage. Kaapzicht is widely respected for its combination of traditional farming, a strong sense of place and consistently high quality across its range, making it one of the key names to know in the Cape winelands.

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