2021 Laurens Campher Chenin Blanc, Muratie

Laurens Campher was a young German soldier who started farming at Muratie in 1685. This blend is a labour of love, much like Laurens’ love for Ansela van de Caab. Their love was ultimately rewarding, bringing about the birth of their three children, her freedom and the development of a farm that was only officially granted to Campher in 1699 but is still going strong over three centuries later.

This wine is made from meticulously sourced grapes from different sites and slopes. Vineyards vary in age from 10 – 15 years old. The Chenin Blanc is from an old north facing bush vine block with low yields and good fruit purity.

For all its freshness, elegance and focus, the wine’s flavours are complex and intense, ranging from bright lemon, fresh pineapple, apricots and juicy nectarine to more concentrated lime marmalade as well as caramel and cream (from barrel fermentation and 11 months of maturation in mostly older French oak). On the palate the initial impression is floral (heady honeysuckle) finishing with white peaches and apricots, with hints of citrus and a fresh acidity – great persistence promising enjoyment over at least five years.