Other recent vintages:  2023   2022   2021  

Chenin Blanc is both the oldest and highest-elevation vineyard at Noble Hill. Natural fermentation in large-format concrete vessels yields delicate citrus aromas underlined by granite minerality.

  • South Africa    Simonsberg    Simonsberg-Paarl
  • 100%
    Chenin Blanc
     
  • Alcohol
      13.0%
  • Certified sustainable
  • Harvest time
      Early February
  • Natural wine
  • Oak
      No oak contact
  • Organic in conversion
  • Production
      1,300 cases
  • Residual sugar
      1.7
  • Soil
      Granite
  • Vegan
  • Vineyard aspect
      Northwest
  • Vineyard elevation
      350m
  • Vineyard planted
      1987, 2016
  • Vineyard size
      4
  • Vineyard yield
      6
  • Award
      4 stars, Platter's South African Wine Guide (2020 vintage)
  • Award
      89 points, Tim Atkin (2020 vintage)

Noble Hill's old vine Chenin Blanc, planted without irrigation in a hidden crook overlooking the valley, grows with quiet strength and minimal intervention. In 2016 Noble Hill decided to invigorate their estate Chenin Blanc and established a new vineyard in deep decomposed granite soils high on the slopes of the Simonsberg. Grapes from these two sites balance each other and give the wine depth and complexity.

Noble Hill uses unique large-format concrete vessels to ferment and mature their Chenin Blanc. These concrete vessels allow the wine to develop nuance and complexity without imparting oak flavour. The wine is fermented with wild yeast populations, and left on the fine lees for 9 months with regular stirring to develop fullness and depth. The name "Sur Lie" refers to this extended lees ageing.

This Chenin Blanc opens with aromas of fresh lime blossom, honeydew melon, and green apple. The aromas are balanced by delicate mineral flavours derived from the rocky slopes of the Simonsberg mountains where the wine is grown.