Recently I’ve been opening the South African whites I bought many years ago – I stocked up on them back then. Each and every of them turns out to be wonderful. Now I have confidence that they don’t simply shine as young wines, but can age remarkably as well.

Beaumont Hope Marguerite 2014 is the top of the range Chenin Blanc (or it was at some point) from this great Bot River property, and it’s a top shelf wine without a question. It smells serious from the first sip. Elegant, complex and refined, that’s my main impression. Integrated, pretty oak, tangerine and stone fruit notes, well retained freshness – it’s almost young. A creamy texture, fuller, but polished body, juicy and generous – but with such definition and precision that it’s rather aristocratic than hedonistic. Great acidity and well placed phenolic grip on the finish. A complete, beautiful wine.