Stettyn Shackleton OV Chenin Blanc 2024 (Top 10)

Stettyn Family Vineyards lies where the Cape Winelands meet the wild landscapes of the Breede River Valley, between Villiersdorp and Worcester. The Shackleton Old Vine Chenin Blanc is drawn from heritage blocks - vines planted in 1984 - that thrive in stony soils and challenging conditions, concentrating fruit character and structural tension. The vineyard’s history is entwined with the dramatic story of a Shackleton aircraft crash in the nearby mountains, inspiring a wine that reflects resilience as much as regional identity. In the cellar, careful handling preserves the purity and textural intensity of these old vines, with subtle elevation on lees adding weight without masking the varietal expression.

Colour: Bright, pale straw with faint green highlights - clear and youthful in the glass.

Nose: Aromas of dried peach and nectarine sit alongside more subtle toasted nut and gentle spice notes, with cream and quince suggesting a bit of lees complexity.

Palate: Medium-bodied with appealing texture from older vines and time on lees, the palate delivers stone fruit and orchard characters with a refreshing core of acidity. There’s a tactile quality here - balanced rather than overtly plush - with citrus-tinged edges.

Finish: Clean and lingering, the finish shows lifted fruit and a textured tail that carries the wine’s characteristic freshness and depth.