Bellingham Bernard Series Chenin Blanc 2020

Bellingham Bernard Series Chenin Blanc is a thoroughly contemporary, elaborately intricate wine. Its compelling individualistic character reflects the tremendous history of some of the oldest bush vines in the Cape. Vibrant tropical fruit flavours of pineapple, melon and papaya with hints of fleshy peach, honey, toast and smokey oak spice on the finish. High acidity embraces the finish, while the mouthfeel is layered and lustrous. 

The Bernard Series is a tribute to the determination and maverick spirit of Bellingham’s co-founder Bernard Podlashuk. Celebrates as a trail-blazing visionary, the legend of Bernard’s tenacity and innovative flair lives on through The Bernard Series range of hand-crafted wines, each with a stamp of unmistakable site-specificity and individuality.

100% Chenin Blanc. The grapes for this distinctive Chenin Blanc come from characterful and genuinely unique old bush vines (35–47 years-old) specifically blended from Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Darling. Tended by hand, the vines grow in weathered granite soils and produce low yields of high quality fruit.

Handpicking of the fruit, natural fermentation at 16°C in stainless steel, 12 months maturation in French oak barrels (50% new, 50% second fill).

Ageing potential: Drink now or cellar up to 5 years.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

A richly styled Chenin that starts with a hint of smoky oak and almond nuttiness that follows through to a full mouthfeel of intensely ripe apricots and creamy well-integrated oak giving a beautiful texture and complexity.

- 93 POINTS

Bellingham The Bernard Series 2020 is produced from sustainably grown Old Vines Chenin Blanc (between 35 and 45 years of age), sourced from several vineyards in the Durbanville, Darling, Stellenbosch and Swartland wine regions. Look for ripe tropical fruit, pear, roasted hazelnut and a kiss of caramel, creamy and lingering on the palate. Drinking beautifully now.