Tasting Notes
A wine of incredible density and precision. A hint of yellow suggests sun ripened berries, with a bright green hue promising freshness. Aromas of lime blossom, white peach, caramel and brioche are followed by a poised palate with an extremely concentrated core. This is a great wine that will reward decades of cellaring.
A true statement of DeMorgenzon’s dedication to excellence.
Winemaker:
Carl van der Merwe
Varietal Blend:
100% Chenin Blanc
Appellation:
Stellenbosch
Alcohol Content:
13.84%
TA:
6.7 g/l
pH:
3.38
RS:
2.0 g/l
Chenin Blanc of The Year
Platter’s Wine Guide 2019
5 Stars
Platter’s Wine Guide 2019
98 Points
Tim Atkin MW 2018
Vineyards
The Divas Chenin Blanc is selected from a special parcel of low-yielding vines planted in 1972 on DeMorgenzon. The vines are planted in decomposed granite soils, at altitudes of 250 to 300 meters above sea level. Close proximity to False Bay ensures cooling breezes in the warm summer months. The Divas is selected from the most balanced vines of this grand old vineyard. In 2018 a massal selection of genetic material from The Divas vines was collected and sent away for multiplication. The progeny of these grand old dames will be planted in DeMorgenzon’s future plantings of Chenin Blanc, to secure a unique provenance for DeMorgenzon Chenin Blanc.
Vintage
On the back of a cold and wet winter, the 2020 growing season began very early, with homogenous budburst and even shoot growth. Summer was relatively mild, without the heatwaves often experienced in the Cape. The resultant crop retained high levels of natural acidity and abundant concentration of flavour. Particularly exceptional are the white wines of 2020, whilst the reds display early promise thanks to intense colour and tannin concentration.
Vinification And Maturation
The grapes were picked in two different passes from a particular part of the old vineyard. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning hours, with bunch selection done in the vineyard, and a final selection in the winery. Fruit was cooled down and then gently pressed, whole bunch, and the juice was settled overnight without the use of settling enzymes. Fermentation occurred naturally in French oak barrels (40% new), using indigenous yeasts, with no malolactic fermenation. The wine was aged on its lees in barrel for 10 months, without batonage, followed by a further ageing in concrete egg for 6 months, before being bottled without filtration.
Tasting Notes
Awards & Accolades
2020:
5 Stars – Platter’s Wine Guide 2022
96 Points – Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report 2021
2017:
Chenin Blanc of The Year – Platter’s Wine Guide 2019
5 Stars – Platter’s Wine Guide 2019
98 Points – Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report 2018
2013:
Presented at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience 2016 to a standing ovation, The Divas 2013 was named one of the THREE most exciting wines this millennium.