Kaapzicht Sonsteen Chenin Blanc 2024 is a distinctive, single-vineyard white wine from Bottelary, Stellenbosch, in South Africa's Western Cape. Produced from old bush vines planted in 1985, this characterful Chenin Blanc combines fresh citrus, white peach and almond notes with lively acidity and a textured, dry finish. Three days of skin contact and ten months of maturation in old French oak give the wine additional depth while preserving its freshness and the character of its granite-grown fruit.
 
Part of Kaapzicht's Terroir Range, Sonsteen takes its name from the vineyard's sunny position. Before Chenin Blanc became widely known by its international name in South Africa, it was traditionally called Steen. The name Sonsteen brings together this historical association with the vineyard's rocky landscape and exposure to the afternoon sun. It is a wine that reflects both the heritage of South African Chenin Blanc and a more individual approach to winemaking.
 
The grapes come from a single vineyard in Bottelary, planted in 1985 on weathered granite soils. The old bush vines grow without irrigation, with their roots established among the granite rocks that characterise the site. Receiving generous afternoon sunshine, the vineyard produces an average yield of approximately six tonnes per hectare. These conditions contribute to the distinctive character of the fruit, which Kaapzicht expresses through careful harvesting and minimal intervention in the cellar.
 
For the 2024 vintage, the grapes were harvested in the early morning on 10 February and kept in a cold room for 24 hours before processing. After crushing and destemming, the grapes underwent three days of skin contact. This extended contact with the skins is an important feature of Sonsteen's production, helping develop its texture and the lingering citrus-pith character that distinguishes the finished wine.
 
Fermentation took place spontaneously, relying on naturally occurring yeasts rather than a conventional inoculated fermentation. The wine was then matured for ten months in old French oak barrels. The use of previously filled oak allows the wine to develop additional texture and complexity without a pronounced new-oak influence, keeping the focus on the Chenin Blanc fruit and its vineyard origins.
 
In the glass, Kaapzicht Sonsteen Chenin Blanc 2024 displays a pale gold colour and an expressive nose of grapefruit, almond and orange peel. The palate brings together white peach and citrus-pith flavours, supported by lively acidity and a dry, persistent finish. Its combination of freshness, texture and savoury citrus character makes it an interesting choice for those looking beyond more conventional fruit-led Chenin Blanc styles.
 
Sonsteen is particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy white wines with structure and personality. It offers the freshness expected of Chenin Blanc alongside the additional texture gained through skin contact and old-oak maturation, making it well suited to food and capable of developing further over the producer's suggested three-to-five-year ageing period.
 
Tasting Notes
 
Appearance: Pale gold.
Nose: Expressive aromas of grapefruit, almond and orange peel, combining fresh citrus with a subtle nutty character.
Palate: Textured and lively, with flavours of white peach and orange pith. Bright acidity balances the wine's depth and provides a refreshing, dry character.
Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering citrus-pith notes and refreshing acidity.