Essay Steen Chenin Blanc Blend

Winery	Essay
Region	Coastal Region
Appellation	Western Cape
Type	White Wine
Varietal	Chenin Blanc blend
Farming Practice	Conventional
Maturation	Cold fermented over 20 days in stainless steel tanks
Vintage	2019

This is a medium-bodied white blend made primarily from South Africa’s classic white variety, Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is known for its generosity of fruit and friendliness towards most foods. This wine shows typical Chenin Blanc aromas of pineapple, litchi, and guava. A few months of lees contact enhances the texture of this wine, while still maintaining a fruity palate and fresh finish. The addition of Viognier and Roussanne adds complexity with each component contributing its distinctive characteristics to the blend, bringing out hints of pear, melon, and granadilla. This wine is perfect on its own as an aperitif but will also pair well with a wide range of foods, especially sushi, oysters, Asian curries, sweet-and-sour dishes, and summer salads.

N/Apts The Washington Post– 2019 vintage

FOR THE 2019 VINTAGE – 2 1/2 STARS (EXCELLENT+)
I raved about the 2018 version of this delightful blend, and the newer vintage is reminding me of how consistently good the wine can be. South Africa is justly famous for its chenin blanc, which makes up 78 percent of the blend. The addition of viognier (13 percent) and roussanne (9 percent) contribute body and floral notes to the mix. This is a food-friendly white, but I’m tempted to pair it with a sunny patio and some good conversation. – This South African white wine is the best $12 you’ll spend this week.

89+pts The Wine Advocate– 2018 vintage

FOR THE 2018 VINTAGE
Mostly Chenin Blanc with 25% Viognier and a splash of Roussanne, the 2018 Essay Chenin Blanc Viognier Roussanne opens to a frame of stone fruits and tropical fruits with aromas of banana peel, pineapple and peaches with a waxy minerality and elements of juicy fruit gum. Medium-bodied, the palate is focused and balanced, with supporting acidity that energizes the mid-palate. It ends with a lingering finish of peach skin, pineapple core and citrus blossom. Give it a try, it’s a lovely wine for the price.