Description
The L'Avenir Single Block Chenin Blanc 2022 is a serious, beautifully textured expression of old-vine Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc, produced from the estate's celebrated Block 30 vineyard planted in 1973. L'Avenir was an early champion of single-vineyard old-vine Chenin, producing its first release in 2007, and this wine remains one of the estate's most distinctive expressions of the variety.
The nose is elegant and layered, opening with white blossoms, fresh lemon, grapefruit peel, and a delicate touch of honey. On the palate, the wine becomes richer and more expansive, with concentrated fruit, subtle honeyed notes, and beautifully integrated oak. Fresh acidity provides lift and definition, while extended lees aging contributes impressive texture and depth. Generous yet finely balanced, it has the concentration of old-vine Chenin without sacrificing freshness or precision.
The 2022 vintage began with ideal winter conditions, followed by late rainfall that encouraged even growth. A cool season and moderate harvest weather slowed ripening, giving the grapes additional time to develop excellent fruit intensity while retaining natural freshness.
A wonderful gastronomic Chenin Blanc, particularly with pan-seared scallops, steamed cod, abalone, lobster, rich seafood dishes, roast poultry, or creamy sauces.
The nose is elegant and layered, opening with white blossoms, fresh lemon, grapefruit peel, and a delicate touch of honey. On the palate, the wine becomes richer and more expansive, with concentrated fruit, subtle honeyed notes, and beautifully integrated oak. Fresh acidity provides lift and definition, while extended lees aging contributes impressive texture and depth. Generous yet finely balanced, it has the concentration of old-vine Chenin without sacrificing freshness or precision.
The 2022 vintage began with ideal winter conditions, followed by late rainfall that encouraged even growth. A cool season and moderate harvest weather slowed ripening, giving the grapes additional time to develop excellent fruit intensity while retaining natural freshness.
A wonderful gastronomic Chenin Blanc, particularly with pan-seared scallops, steamed cod, abalone, lobster, rich seafood dishes, roast poultry, or creamy sauces.
The grapes received five hours of skin contact before pressing, adding texture and complexity to the finished wine. The first 10% of fermentation took place in cooled stainless-steel tanks before the actively fermenting juice was transferred to large first-, second-, and third-fill French oak barrels.
The wine remained in barrel for 14 months on its healthy lees, with regular bâtonnage to build mouthfeel, richness, and complexity. The restrained use of older oak allows the concentrated old-vine fruit to remain central while contributing subtle structure and depth.
Winemaker: Dirk Coetzee
The wine remained in barrel for 14 months on its healthy lees, with regular bâtonnage to build mouthfeel, richness, and complexity. The restrained use of older oak allows the concentrated old-vine fruit to remain central while contributing subtle structure and depth.
Winemaker: Dirk Coetzee
L'Avenir is a specialist Stellenbosch producer with a particular affinity for two of South Africa's most important grape varieties: Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. The estate has played an important role in demonstrating the potential of old-vine Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc, releasing its first old-vine single-vineyard wine in 2007.
The Single Block Chenin Blanc sits at the pinnacle of that philosophy, showcasing an individual heritage vineyard rather than blending across multiple sites. Block 30 has consistently produced wines recognized for their texture, fine balance, and ability to develop beautifully with age.
The Single Block Chenin Blanc sits at the pinnacle of that philosophy, showcasing an individual heritage vineyard rather than blending across multiple sites. Block 30 has consistently produced wines recognized for their texture, fine balance, and ability to develop beautifully with age.
