High up on Citrusdal Mountain, we find what can only be described as SA's finest Chenin Blanc 'crus'. The slopes are home to Alheit's Magnetic North Mountain Makstok and Huilkrans, Sadie Family's Skurfberg and Botanica's Mary Delany Chenin Blanc. The Mary Delany has flown somewhat under the radar compared to her illustrious neighbours, but we agree with Christian Eedes that the 2019 is an 'utterly compelling' release.

Picked just a little earlier, the 2019 is a touch more refined and nuanced and is, arguably, the best Ginny Povall has ever released. It is an incredible wine that, like its much-vaunted siblings, should be snapped up on release. This is truly world-class, so don't waste time in getting some of the last few bottles available.

The Botanica Mary Delany is a trailblazing wine. A decade ago, it was one of only two Chenin Blancs to earn 5 stars in the 2011 Platter's Guide. It has gone on to accomplish this feat no less than five times! Produced from a 50-year-old Chenin block grown on Henk Laing's Citrusdal Mountain property, the 2019 stands out for its added minerality and focus.

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Tasting notes

Botanica, Mary Delany Chenin Blanc 2019

Grapes from Henk Laing's property on Citrusdal Mountain, this wine as made by Ginny Povall is worthy of purchasing every year but the 2019 is a particularly beautiful rendition. A beguiling nose of pear, peach, citrus, a hint of guava, fynbos and a slight leesy note. The palate is full but equally very well defined – impressive fruit density and bright acidity before a finish that's long and dry. Utterly compelling. – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 97/100

An annual shoo-in as one of the Cape's outstanding Chenin Blancs, all of it sourced from Henk Laing's Citrusdal Mountain farm, this was picked early in 2019 and has even more focus, complexity and palate length than normal. With notes of white pepper, wet stones and subtle, struck match reduction, it's a long, effortlessly nuanced wine. 2021-27. – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 96/100

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