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White dry
Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2025 is one of the most prominent examples of the South African Chenin Blanc style and is often called the benchmark of South African Chenin Blanc.
The aroma reveals notes of ripe melon, baked apples, peaches, pears and tropical fruits, complemented by honeycomb, vanilla, roasted nuts and subtle mineral nuances.
The wine is medium-bodied, creamy and layered. The lively Chenin Blanc acidity provides energy, while the aging on yeast and partial fermentation in barrels creates a soft buttery and slightly nutty character. The aftertaste retains the impression of citrus peel, honey, baked apples and light minerality.
The grapes are harvested from old Chenin Blanc vines in the Stellenbosch region, mainly in the Helderberg, Bottelary Hills and Vlaeberg areas. The region's soils - sandy, clayey and iron-rich ferricrete-type layers - give the wine structure and minerality.
The wine is fermented in both stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, and then aged on its lees for about 9 months.
Serve at 8-10 °C with chicken and other white meat dishes, shellfish, halibut, roasted flounder, and spicier dishes.
The charismatic Ken Forrester, the figure behind some of South Africa's most acclaimed wines, states, "Our idea was simple – to create the best wine. For the first four or five years, we had nothing to show." However, a pivotal bottle taken to London for wine expert Matthew Duke changed everything. His reaction was incredible – it was an unprecedented expression of ‘Chenin Blanc’ from South Africa. Matthew Duke didn't hide his enthusiasm, simply calling the wine "This is frickin marvelous chenin."
The winery's philosophy is remarkably clear and focused – to produce the finest wines possible. This is undoubtedly a constant goal, challenged annually by nature's unpredictable vintage variations. Nevertheless, careful and attentive vineyard monitoring and management allow for the most optimal decisions each year. Although Ken Forrester wines are not officially certified organic or biodynamic, significant efforts are made on the estate to adhere to environmentally friendly, sustainable, and nature-preserving standards.
Wine Style
Ken Forrester wines are celebrated for their expressiveness, richness, and excellent balance. They perfectly reflect the terroir of the Stellenbosch region and the winemaker's individual touch.
Prestigious Vineyards
Ken Forrester Wines owns and meticulously manages vineyards in the prestigious Stellenbosch region of South Africa:
These unique vineyard characteristics and meticulous work in the cellar are the foundation for the exceptional quality of Ken Forrester wines.
Aging and Drinking Period
The style of Ken Forrester wines allows them to be enjoyed both in their youth and after bottle aging. Their balanced acidity and structure give the wines the potential to develop over time, gaining even more nuance and complexity. This is particularly true for their top-tier ‘Chenin Blanc’ and red wines, which can offer pleasure for decades.
