Bellingham Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023

4 ½ Stars 2025 John Platter’s South African Wine Guide Rush of tropical fruit, succulent & hedonistic, leads to steely minerality & precise acidity. 23 (94 pts) from heirloom vines in Stellenbosch & Durbanville, wild yeast fermented (like its twin) in mix concrete tank & 30% new barrel & foudre, 10 months on lees.93 pts Tim Atkin MW 2024 Bellingham’s excellent Chenin Blanc has done as much as any wine to spread the word about South Africa’s Old Vine Project. This comes from parcels planted in the early 1980s in Bottelary and Durbanville, and is detailed, pithy, stony and savoury, with layers of beeswax, pear and green apple and a dusting of cinnamon spice. 2025-2990 pts Wine Enthusiast April 2025 Notes of honey, chamomile and ginger are included in the delicate bouquet. This Chenin has weight and delivers rich notes of baking spices followed by less intense flavors of apricot and grapefruit. Good acidity lifts the palate and injects energy into the finish