“Goosebump wine. Stunning.” - Tamlyn Currin

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 third 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 2022 is 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:

JancisRobinson.com: “Goosebump wine. Kiara Scott Farmer knows how to make wine. In my book, she's the rising star of South African winemakers. Bone dry but with a honeyed patina. Toasted pecan and macadamia, citron, yuzu and crushed roasted nigella seeds. The acidity is a lightning strike of lime, zigzagging through the wine with power and intention and almost freezing the moment. Stunning. Drink now - 3032. (TC)” 17.5 points

Tim Atkin MW: “The 2022 vintage was very hot in Paarl, hitting 46° in February, but there's no sign of that on this old-vine Chenin Blanc from a 1.8-hectare parcel planted in 1985. Rich, dry and well structured, it has subtle nutmeg, thatch and vanilla top notes, flavours of pear and yellow apple, scented 15% new wood and a mineral core. 2025-30.” 94 points

Vinous: “The 2022 Chenin Blanc was picked via eight passes through the vineyard. As the winery was under construction at the time, this vintage was made at the Avondale Winery. The 2022 has a pretty bouquet with yellow plum, citrus peel, a little linseed and a touch of fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with good depth and flavour. It’s no shy and retiring Chenin, but there is real nerve and tension that keeps it on its toes. I can see this ageing beautifully in bottle, but it will be difficult to resist in its youth. (Neal Martin)“ 93 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.