Rijk's 2018 Cape Winemakers Guild CWG Chenin Blanc (Tulbagh)

Winemaker: Pierre Wahl. This is quite toasty and oaky upfront right now, with pronounced aromas of wood-grilled apple, orange oil, custard and yellow melon. The palate is full and weighty, but not fat, with plush, mouth-filling toasted-fruit flavors that have a decadent, grilled edge and lingering impressions of sweet spice and toast on the finish. Impressions of yellow apple, musk melon, sweet braised fennel, straw and pie crust carry through on the close, with a kiss of honey on the way back as well as the lingering warmth of toasty baking-spice characteristics. Lauren Buzzeo