Bellingham the Old Vine Chenin Blanc

ABV 14.5%

To his friends and family he was ‘Pod’, but to the Cape Winelands he was Bernard Podlashuk, the maverick winemaker. Never quite satisfied to be just ordinary, he is recognised for his daring vision, sheer audacity and unabated drive that helped place South African wine on the map. The legend of Bernard’s tenacity and innovative flair lives on through The Bernard Series, Bellingham’s premium range of extraordinary wines.

The grapes used to make this wine come from 4 exceptional Chenin Blanc vineyards. These vines are all low-yielding (5 – 6 tons per hectare) bush vines with an average age of 40 years. Vines grow in weathered granite soils with open canopies for maximum penetration of sunlight.

Cellar Treatment:

Grapes were hand-picked at 24 degrees Balling with partial whole bunch pressing followed by single lot fermentation. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for a period of 12 months of which 50% was new French oak and 50% second fill barrels.

Tasting Notes:

Pale gold with hints of green. Distinctively bold and perfumed with layers of tropical fruit, honeysuckle and melon perfectly integrated with vanilla oak spice. Complex and lingering aftertaste.