Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2020

Description

While risking like sounding like a broken record (remember that?), I have to say, that this is yet again an improbably stellar value in the wine world. Nearly half century-old chenin vines, treated respectfully, and benefitting from the rains of 2019/2020 that were so desperately needed in previous vintages, found such a comfortable and happy balance here. This 2020 may not have the sheer, forced concentration of other, drier vintages, but the balance is all that more fine, and the freshness impeccable in a more refined and elegant rendering. You'll find typical ripe pear and other white and yellow-fleshed orchard fruit flavours with no evident oak influence, with a smoother, less extracted (tannic) texture and more energetic but ripe acids. All in all, just a terrific bottle for $18 - if you know of better, please let me know immediately. Score - 92. (John Szabo, MS, winealign.com, Aug. 11, 2021)

Tags

Chenin Blanc, Full-bodied & Rich, White Wine, Wine, XD - Extra Dry