2023 Never Been Asked To Dance
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The Savage Wines 2023 Chenin Blanc Never Been Asked To Dance sources its fruit from a vineyard planted in 1956 between Paarl and Stellenbosch on granitic soils. The one-hectare site has southeast-facing slopes that are turned into the prevailing wind. When Duncan Savage first came, one-third of the vines were dead. He went through the grueling process of replanting them. This vintage is still made with the old-vine fruit, but starting with the 2024 vintage, some of the new vines will be blended in. Those younger plants bring more freshness. The challenge of this vineyard is getting ripeness. Stockinger foudre are used for aging, with some neutral oak. This wine is gorgeous, with a note of reduction that lifts to unveil a beautiful core of stone fruit, poached pear and spicy saffron honey. This is among the best Chenin Blancs I tasted on my trip to South Africa. Unfortunately, only 3,000 bottles were made.
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Neal Martin
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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The 2023 Never Been Asked to Dance comes from Chenin Blanc that was planted in Paarl in 1956 and revived by Duncan Savage (new plantings will come online in the next vintage.) This has an entrancing bouquet of lemon curd, dried honey and candle wax that just blossoms in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity. Lightly spiced and waxy in texture, it builds chamomile, peach skin and saline notes toward the finish—one of the best vintages of this cuvée I’ve tasted.