Description
Waterford Estate Chenin Blanc 2025 is a Stellenbosch white drawn from mature vines, including parcels more than 50 years old, and shaped in a richer, more textured style. This is not a lean, sharply cut Chenin. Instead, it leans into the variety’s ability to carry ripeness, breadth, and subtle savory detail, while still holding onto the acidity that keeps it precise. The result is a wine that feels generous but well controlled, with clear vineyard character running through it.
The nose opens with ripe yellow fruit, honeydew melon, and a light note of wild honey, followed by a faint touch of pink peppercorn that adds lift and interest. On the palate, the fruit concentration is immediately apparent, giving the wine a rounded, lightly waxy texture, but broad acidity keeps it moving and prevents it from feeling heavy. Notes of grapefruit pith bring a gentle bitterness that sharpens the finish and adds definition. It would pair especially well with roast chicken, pork dishes, creamy seafood, or richer vegetable plates where its texture and acidity can work together naturally.
Already highly expressive, this is a Chenin Blanc that offers plenty now, while its old-vine fruit and measured élevage suggest it should continue to develop nicely over the next few years.
The nose opens with ripe yellow fruit, honeydew melon, and a light note of wild honey, followed by a faint touch of pink peppercorn that adds lift and interest. On the palate, the fruit concentration is immediately apparent, giving the wine a rounded, lightly waxy texture, but broad acidity keeps it moving and prevents it from feeling heavy. Notes of grapefruit pith bring a gentle bitterness that sharpens the finish and adds definition. It would pair especially well with roast chicken, pork dishes, creamy seafood, or richer vegetable plates where its texture and acidity can work together naturally.
Already highly expressive, this is a Chenin Blanc that offers plenty now, while its old-vine fruit and measured élevage suggest it should continue to develop nicely over the next few years.
The fruit was hand-harvested from old vines, some more than 50 years of age. After gentle pressing, fermentation took place in concrete egg vessels and neutral barrels, a combination that supports both texture and fruit purity without introducing dominant oak character. After four months, the individual lots were blended and returned to concrete for further aging, helping build complexity while preserving the freshness and mineral character of Stellenbosch old-vine Chenin Blanc.
Winemaker: Mark Le Roux
Winemaker: Mark Le Roux
Waterford Estate was established in 1998 with the intention of producing the very best wines in the country. Being based on the Helderberg Mountain, in Stellenbosch, the Estate excels in producing Red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the main two blending components in their Flagship The Jem. They chose to use only half of the total 120 hectares of their land for the planting of vines in order to preserve and protect the natural fauna and flora. The Waterford Way is a philosophy that celebrates prosperity, life, food, wine, family and friends, and guides all that they do at Waterford Estate.
