2018 Swartland Secateurs Chenin Blanc
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Tasting notes
Under stelvin closure, the 2018 Secateurs Chenin Blanc is a pale straw color and has a subtle and slightly muted nose that hints at apples, citrus and soft peaches. It's a value-driven wine that offers a cheap and cheerful expression. It is lively and correct for a medium-bodied wine. For a couple of bucks, it's good, and it is clear to see the commercial appeal. The wine was aged in old foudres and concrete tanks.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Secateurs Chenin Blanc, which Adi described as "the most fun wine to make," comes from 28 different parcels, of which 17 are over 50 years old, on granite soils in the Paardeberg Mountains. It has a well defined bouquet of lemon curd and light white flower aromas. It is slightly viscous on the entry, very pure with fine acidity, and honeyed toward the finish, to the point where it could almost be a dessert wine (I could imagine this pairing wonderfully with a hard cheese ). Given the price point, this is brilliant Chenin Blanc and an outstanding value. [Readers should note that there are three bottlings of this wine - this is the main one.]
About the producer
Adi Badenhorst was one of the original pioneers of South Africa’s New Wave. Based up on the Paardeberg, he uses a hands-off approach to craft expressive wines and spirits in the Swartland – from his moreish Capéritif to single-site Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache.