Avondale Anima 2017, Paarl, South Africa
£25.00 – £135.00
Avondale estate in Paarl is an estate like no other, their attention to detail in the vineyard is second to none. Their ethos, Terra Est Vita, meaning ‘Soil is Life’ encapsulates their approach and meticulous vineyard management. Fully organic and biodynamic, they produce a range of wines under the management of Johnathan Grieve that individually and collectively surpasses all expectations. From Armilla, their global award winning sparkling wine, through to La Luna their Bordeaux blend, the range is absolutely stacked with astonishing levels of quality and individuality. For anyone seeking biodynamic wines of exceptional balance, complexity and elegance then Avondale should not be overlooked.
Tasting notes
This is without doubt one of our favourites wines, and an absolute bargain consider the quality. After some time in the decanter, and served cool not cold, Anima boasts a beautifully enticing and complex nose of buttered pear, beeswax, honey, hazelnut, cashew, yogurt, citrus peel, chalk and steely minerality. Those wonderful aromatics pass from the nose to the palate effortlessly. The presence, weight and texture of this vintage is quite remarkable. There’s the classic minerality and acidity you expect from a Chenin, but there’s much more flesh and cream than you’d expect. A touch of salinity and nimble acidity balances the rich fruit quite perfectly. As for the finish, it doesn’t let itself down here either. Layers of macadamia and stone fruit kick on towards the one minute mark. Take a bow Avondale. This is great stuff.
| ABV | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Decant from | Thirty minutes before serving |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Producer | Avondale |
| Food match | Guineafowl, rabbit |
| Drink from | 2019 – 2028 |
| Closure | Cork |
