2019 Craven Karibib Vineyard Chenin Blanc

Bright pale straw colour with a watery hue. Lifted ripe pear and Jonathan apple aromas have a honeysuckle overlay with hints of light musk and cinnamon spice also evident. Light to medium weight the palate combines freshness with a nicely rounded mid palate feel delivering flavours of pear and spicy Jonathan apple over light honeysuckle and a flickering of flinty mineral characters. Dry tense finish with a tangy medium length aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 13%

Craven is one of the most interesting wine projects in South Africa. It's part of the rediscovery of the best vineyard sites in Stellenbosch that's currently underway, with a whole group of young guns looking to find the gems and make interesting wines from them. The duo knows their vineyards intricately, and craft only single-vineyard wines, picked early and respectfully to best reflect site and vintage.
Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak, April 2017

Bush vine Chenin blanc from the Polkadraai Hills, which varies from granite-based soils on the higher elevations to the lighter, sandy soils in lower lying areas. The wine is whole bunch pressed to 500L barrels, where it is left to ferment naturally. It completes malolactic fermentation and spends a total of 9 months in barrel before being bottled, unfined and unfiltered.

Other Reviews...
Unsure how well known it is but Covid era South Africa is in prohibition and South African wine producers are hurting real bad. Supporting South African wine producers, if you can, is a good thing, of course amongst many charitable activities. Mick Craven cut his teeth amongst a sect of avant garde Australian and international producers but has landed in Stellenbosch for his eponymous wine project. Here’s chenin, gently made, left on lees in barrels, natural ferment, no additions aside a smidge of sulphur.

Scents of lemon soap, faint cashew, some sandalwood notes, a touch of flint. Smells real good. Palate is flinty too, vibrant, alive, energetic and chock full of zingy acidity with good flavour and freshness on show. Tart, citrus-driven flavours and that lick of nuttiness is the deal. Excellent, tightly found finish for those seeking longevity from their white wines too. Super stuff.
93 Points
Mike Bennie - The Wine Front