old vine
sustainable

Donkiesbaai Piekenierskloof

'Steen' Chenin Blanc, 2025

750ml
Country of Origin: South Africa
Preorder Now Expected: Early-October
$40
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Varietal Composition: Chenin Blanc (100%)
RS: 1.2 g/l
Cellaring Potential: 0 - 3 years
ABV: 13.35%

Description

Bursting with aromas of fruit salad, vanilla, and lemon meringue, this wine draws you in with its richness and charm. Layers of white pineapple, dried apple, and a hint of chamomile add lovely depth.

The palate is dry and full, with vibrant acidity balancing the ripe fruit. Subtle notes of almond biscotti, lemon curd, and a touch of white pepper bring extra complexity, leading to a creamy, lingering finish.
Certified heritage bush vines planted in 1988 and 1986 are dryland farmed in deep sandy soils. At an altitude of 650m above sea level, the vineyards experience a warm climate with cooling evening winds. Grapes were harvested on six dates, with different picks providing a range of aromatic characters. Two early picks bring fresh acidity. Two middle picks add balance and perfectly ripe tropical fruit characters. The final two picks of smaller bunches and berries added deep concentration and palate weight to the resulting wine.

Our Steen is made up of three components: 70% is fermented and then matured in a combination of new and seasoned 500l French oak barrels. 30% is fermented spontaneously and matured on the lees in concrete eggs. Bâtonnage is done monthly for textural mouthfeel.

Winemaker : Duran Cornhill
Far up the west coast, about 3 and a half hours drive north of Cape Town, lies an open bay of white sand strewn with black mussels and kelp, with the icy waters of the Atlantic beating the shore. This is Donkiesbaai, where the Engelbrecht family have holidayed for four generations. This unassuming spot lends its name to our adventurous range of wines from a further-flung corner of South Africa’s winelands. The wine was made with the cuisine of the west coast in mind. Crayfish, Harders, and a cold glass of wine is part of the history that is Donkiesbaai.

Flavor Profiles

vanilla

Vanilla

lemon preserve

Lemon preserve

dried apple

Dried apple

white peppercorns

White peppercorns

In the cellar

About the Winery

Location

Piekenierskloof, South Africa

Piekenierskloof, South Africa

High above the Olifants River Valley, Piekenierskloof has become one of South Africa’s most exciting destinations for old-vine wine. Its warm, dry climate is moderated by elevations reaching roughly 2,300 feet, while sandy soils and limited rainfall encourage vines to send their roots deep into the earth. The region is particularly renowned for Grenache, much of it grown as unirrigated bush vines planted decades ago. These remarkable vineyards produce wines with perfume, vibrant red fruit, spice and concentration without sacrificing freshness. Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc and heritage varieties such as Palomino add further depth to the region’s story. Explore Piekenierskloof wines for rare, terroir-driven bottles that preserve the character of the Cape’s historic vineyards.