2020 Elodie Chenin Blanc

Peter Allan-Finlayson has rapidly made a name for himself with his Crystallum project (a partnership with his brother, Andrew, founded in 2007). Since 2014, he’s also been making the wines at Gabriëlskloof – putting this little-known estate on the fine wine map. The fruit for the Elodie Chenin Blanc is sourced from four different vineyards: Contermanskloof in Dubanville (planted in 1975), Nuwedam, Nuweland and Uitvlug in the Swartland (planted in 1974, 1978 and 1982). None of these bush-vine sites has ever been irrigated and the old vines produce tiny yields. Finlayson does as little as possible after harvest – allowing it to ferment naturally in large, old oak barrels where it stays for nine months prior to bottling. The result is a wine that offers extraordinary value. The nose is steely, taut and mineral, with flecks of honey and lime zest. Fresh and fine, the steely minerality follows through on the palate, with the slightest grip from time in old oak, a raw, citrus power and Chenin’s trademark thrilling acidity. The palate is pithy with crisp apple and lime, but with weightier peach beneath – and a herbal fynbos twist on the long, saline finish. Fantastic – especially for the price.