Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch South Africa 2023

When founders Larry Jacobs and Mike Dobrovic started Mulderbosch in 1989, they weren’t afraid to aim high. They’d found a run-down old fruit farm with no history of viticulture. But fuelled by unstoppable optimism and good instincts, they figured there was good wine potential in the humble property that had lain fallow for close to a century. They got to work, cleared away the accumulation of years of neglect and uncovered what turned out to be one of the most exciting wine-growing corners of Stellenbosch.

They knew how to make the most of Mulderbosch, its varied soils and diverse topography of sloping hills and valleys, plus its cooling closeness to the sea. And right from the maiden vintage of 1992, they began to earn many accolades and international acclaim. It’s been that way pretty much ever since.

Mulderbosch was the first producer in the country to successfully create a barrel-fermented style of Chenin Blanc. The ‘Steen op Hout’ quickly garnered an avid following and has since become synonymous with the variety for its charm and accessibility.

Starting with some shy notes of Granny Smith apple, peaches and then growing to show more white pear and lovely ripe summer melon. The aromas are complex and evolve to portray a very wide spectrum of wonderful flavours. With the complexity of the aromas the palate also delivers a burst of flavour ranging from sweet perfectly ripe fruit to an undertone of yeasty creaminess. There’s also a very good acidity balance to portray the salinity and minerality which sits in perfect harmony with the rest of this beautiful wine.