Mosi Tinashe Chenin Blanc 2018

Joseph Dhafana is someone whose story inspires me everyday.

I’ve seen him a few times but have always been far too shy to approach and say hi. Instead, I grin like a fool and do a little wave. His response has always been the most dignified semi bow of the head. So classy! Just like his wines.

The Wine:

Pale lemon with slight green reflections. A medium+ nose that had me pausing to raise my head to the heavens and smile before continuing. Honey and butterscotch (exactly like the hard boiled sweets that, even though you know you should savour them, you can’t stop yourself from crunching through because it’s so lekker), gentle vanilla bean, ripe peaches and lemon curd.

Dry (maybe a leetle touch of sweetness), medium- bodied, medium+ acidity with salty honey and peaches on the palate. There is the longest finish that just keeps going… lemon pith or almond skin bitterness that swings back to the caramel butterscotch and lemon curd once the honey and peaches dissipate.

Viti & Vini:

Named after his son Tinashe, the grapes were sourced from 38 year old bush vines in Paarl and made with minimal intervention. The wine spent 15 month in 2nd fill French oak and was bottle aged for 3 months before release.

Conclusion:

Balance (1) + Length (1) + Intensity (1) + Complexity (1)  = A very good wine. 

Drink now, but has potential for a further ageing.  

Final Thoughts:

My brother, who has thus far only declared his love of Riesling, just said ‘it’s soooo nice!’...which is unusual for him. After sharing Joseph's story, the brother asked many more follow up questions...also unusual for him. It was cool to be able to share the wine and the story. I’d like to think that a little of the inspiration that I get from following Joseph’s story has rubbed off on him.

Tasted on a Flower Day according to the Biodynamic Calendar for the SH.

Find the Wine:

www.mosiwinesandspirits.com

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