“Superb.” - Neal Martin, 94 points

When we tasted the first vintage of this Chenin Blanc, we didn’t realise that what we were tasting was potential. It was good, very good, but with the release of their fourth vintage we’re no longer tasting potential, we are tasting the realisation of a fantastic project and I have no hesitation in stating that this is one of the finest Chenin Blancs ever to emerge from South Africa.

Brookdale may be a new kid on the block, but they have really hit the ground running. The wily Duncan Savage made the first 2 vintages, but Kiara Scott, a graduate of the Cape Winemakers’ Guild Protegé Programme, is now firmly in the driving seat and the quality just keeps getting better and better. The 2023 is a little broader than previous iterations, reflective of the sunny year, but it is still precision-tooled, with sleek contours and discreetly concentrated fruit framed by the most delicious accents of nutty, toasty oak. In that respect it has echoes of white Burgundy, animated as it is by a granitic minerality and zippy acidity, which feels more like internal ‘energy’ than simply low PH, yet its overall architecture is defiantly ‘old vine’ Cape Chenin, broadening on the palate to encompass orange orchard fruits, white pear and salted lime, before tapering slowly to a fine, focused finish. 13% alc. Certified Heritage Vineyards (South Africa's old-vine certification). Drink now-2032.

Press review:

Vinous: “The 2023 Chenin Blanc comes from vines planted in 1985 and aged for 11 months in 500-litre French oak and Stockinger foudres. This is very pure and expressive on the nose: white fruit, melted candle wax and light papaya that blossom in the glass. The palate is very well-balanced, with gorgeous texture, tensile from start to finish, with a bright, seductive apricot and clementine-driven finish that is nigh irresistible. Superb. Drink now-2040“ 94 points

Customer reviews:

”We are already one bottle into the Brookdale, delicious, I will definitely be back for more in the future.” - Mr. F. W.

“One of the top 2 whites I’ve had this year.” - Mr O. B.