Wines  Noble Hill Sur Lie Chenin Blanc 2023

Other recent vintages:  2022   2021   2020   2019  

Chenin Blanc is both the oldest and highest-elevation vineyard at Noble Hill. Natural fermentation in clay amphorae & concrete tanks yields delicate citrus aromas underlined by granite minerality.

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   R 129 per bottle
  • South Africa    Coastal Region    Simonsberg
  • 91%
    Chenin Blanc
      5%
    Grenache Blanc
      4%
    Viognier
     
  • Production
      1,100 cases
  • Award
      4 stars, Platter's Guide
  • Award
      91 points, Tim Atkin

In the vines

Our old-vine Chenin Blanc, planted in a hidden crook overlooking the valley, grows with quiet strength and minimal intervention. In 2016 we established a new Chenin Blanc vineyard in deep decomposed granite soils high on the slopes of the Simonsberg. Grapes from these two sites balance each other and give the wine depth and complexity.

The 2023 growing season was moderate, with a dry spring. Grapes arrived in excellent condition at the winery.

The wine

We use unique large-format concrete vessels to ferment and mature our Chenin Blanc. These concrete vessels allow the wine to develop nuance and complexity without imparting oak flavour. The wine is fermented with wild yeast populations, and left on the fine lees for 9 months with regular stirring to develop fullness and depth. The name “Sur Lie” refers to this extended lees ageing.

A small portion of the wine is left for extended aging on the skins in clay amphorae. This skin contact gives the overall blend an unctuous and layered flavour.

This Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of fresh lime blossom, honeydew melon, and green apple. The aromas are balanced by delicate mineral flavours derived from the rocky slopes of the Simonsberg mountains where the wine is grown.

  • Alcohol
      13.5%
  • Certified organic
  • pH
      3.5
  • Residual sugar
      1.3 g/l
  • Total SO2
      87 mg/l

Overseas agents

North America