This is not the wine that won a silver medal at this year's Dallas Morning News wine competition, and which I raved about in February -- with the caveat that it probably wouldn't be available for me to buy.
Sure enough, the Wine Curmudgeon was right (another example of how misguided the wine business can be). But I did find the previous vintage, the 2009 (purchased), for $11 at Whole Foods. And it wasn't too shabby, either. The 2009 isn't quite as impressive as the 2010, but for a previous vintage of a simple wine that shouldn't necessarily last this long, it was nicely done.
Ken Forrester, a South African producer, is known for its expertise with chenin blanc, and would that more wineries took this grape so seriously. The 2009 wasn't as light as I remember the 2010 being, but it still had lots of steely minerality and tart green apple fruit. And, for those of you who are concerned about these things, it wasn't sweet at all.
It's a summer heat wave wine, and there's nothing wrong with dropping an ice cube in it or keeping it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. It will pair with grilled chicken breasts and summer salads, and will also be quite welcome after work on its own as you sit out the heat of the day. And, hopefully, the 2010 will show up somewhere soon.
I had the 2007 of this wine, and enjoyed it.
Can't beat the price-point that's for sure.
Best Wishes,
Nannette Eaton
Posted by: Wine Harlots | August 24, 2011 at 10:35 AM
the 2010 is now available in Dallas
Posted by: Alfonso | August 24, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Hi and thanks very much for your very kind review of the Petit Chenin.
That 2009 vintage may still hold a few surprises and as you quite rightly mentioned the fresh green apple notes are the key. 09 was easily the best vintage that I have presided over in the last 17 years and will have extreme longevity, it may be slower to unfurl and show its fullness, but while the 010 is currently a billowing beauty, I think that by next year the 09 will eclipse it and thanks to its closure, (no old fashioned risk of dud cork) I look forward to drinking both those wines in five years time! Perhaps we could arrange to leave one of each with you, almost a “time capsule” for future reference?
Once again thanks very much for your interest and support, chenin rocks!!!
Kind regards
Ken Forrester
Posted by: Ken Forrester | August 25, 2011 at 02:22 AM