2024 ATHABASCA Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc from the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs.

Fruit is harvested and pressed to tank, from the juice stage we use 30% pressings and a higher level of lees in the ferment.

We ferment wild in tank and allow to naturally settle once fermentation is complete.
The wine is then racked off heavy lees and transferred to French hogsheads for 6 months maturation.

The resulting wine displays clean fruit characters with a softly textured mid-palate.
We get aromas of preserved lemon, camomile, white nectarine and jasmine flower.

The palate has a soft creamy texture on entry with a mellow but persistent acidity.
Flavours of ripe lemons, ginger, mandarin and red apples.

"Apple, lemon, fennel, a honey floral note too. It’s crisp, apple and citrus, some spice, flinty grip, clean acidity, with a bright finish of excellent length. It’s energetic and very good. Drinks a charm. 93 points"
Gary Walsh, The Winefront

"Free-run juice fermented wild in concrete with some pressings and a high lees content, then racked to old barrels where it stayed for six months. Refined lemon leaf and pith notes, crisp Golden Delicious apple, coolly ripe stone fruit, white florals, ground ginger and a stony mineral note; this is the more ‘classic’ chenin for Dune, and it’s a charming thing indeed. There’s texture and an insistently vigorous line of acidity, working as harmoniously balancing forces, a waxy, chalky line detailing the finish. 93 points"
Marcus Ellis, Wine Companion

"Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, apple skin, nectarines and sliced pears. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a generous texture. Salty, citrusy finish. Nicely constructed. Drink now. 92 points"
JamesSuckling.com