Raats Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2018

As I put my nose in the glass of the 2018 Old Vine Chenin Blanc, I was instantly struck by its focus and precision. A beautiful floral bouquet followed by rich apple and zesty citrus bursts from the glass. On the palate, the wine has a soft minerality with a slightly underripe pineapple note, juicy yellow apples and Meyer lemons, ending with crisp acidity. There is a soft phenolic grip that is evident on the finish. The wine rested for 11 months, half in stainless steel and the other half French oak barrels, that later filled 12,709 bottles.