Strange Kompanjie ‘The Tea Leaf’ 2023

Made from 40 year old bush vines, some 70-80 years old, 750 metres above sea level this mountainous vineyard is also home to the indigenous Rooibos tea plants and now has grapes from another vineyard in the blend. It’s 60% Chenin Blanc,30% Grenache Gris, 10% Marsanne -wild yeast fermented. Ripe apple and pear on the nose, a touch of ginger and pepper too- classic old vine South African Chenin in the main but with floral notes too and a hint of fynbos. Pretty full on the palate with ripe apple and pear, pineapple and a touch of spice, concentrated and quite textural but also fresh and crisp at the same time. I think it’s a really delicious example, ripe but not overly, really tangy with lovely limey acidity on the long minerally finish, some spice too. Beautifully balanced. Delicious on its own but a versatile food wine; think fish, white meats especially pork, lightly spiced dishes too. Top wine.